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Nermeen Shaikh Keynote at Counterpublic's Inaugural Convening Circus of Life

St. Louis, MO

October 25, 2025 | Saturday | 7:45 pm

The Big Top

3401 Washington Ave,
St. Louis, MO 63103 ( see map )
Democracy Now!'s Nermeen Shaikh will give a keynote address in “Act IV” of non-profit Counterpublic's first inaugural Convening, dubbed The Circus of Life.

Counterpublic writes, “Inspired by the richness of circus entertainment and artists’ ability to expand society’s imagination, CIRCUS OF LIFE will bring a variety of such experiences to the public. Artists, advocates, and cultural leaders will present ideas and performances, share conversations, pose questions, and host booths of fun and exchange for all to make meaning together. Organized in five distinct Acts, each with its own theme, the Big Top will host a combination of live performance, song, discussion, and a variety of entertainment and spectacle. Surrounding the Big Top will be booths and tables by artists and collaborators presenting activities and games, alongside mystical and educational experiences. Workshops will unfold over the course of the weekend, offering ways to engage in-depth in hands-on activities and discussions.”

Counterpublic’s description of the overall event reads:

“The Convening is designed to be a standalone signature event alongside Counterpublic’s triennial exhibition with a different set of themes, participants and focus topics. Taking place every three years between exhibition editions, the Counterpublic Convening aims to test new models of organizing, create dynamic points of assembly and to push forward discourse towards generational change.”

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Registration is required. The event is free, but Counterpublic offers a sliding scale with recommended contributions for those able to support the event financially. Get tickets

Nermeen Shaikh

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Nermeen Shaikh is a co-host and senior producer at Democracy Now! She worked briefly at Al Jazeera English in Washington, D.C. before joining Democracy Now! in 2011.

She serves on the Board of Directors of the Nobel Women’s Initiative.

She was previously the Managing Editor at Asia Society and a researcher at the International Institute for...