Arts & Democracy
The creative power of arts and culture—especially among those who have been traditionally disenfranchised—is a catalyst for action. The Arts & Democracy Project builds the momentum of a cultural movement that draws on a rich history of arts activism, social justice organizing, and grassroots engagement. We are engaging the following questions:
- How do arts and culture play an active role in our democracy?
- What forms of cultural expression move people to participate in decision-making?
- What forms of activism and organizing are best linked to arts and cultural work?
- How can this work become more strategic, effective, and sustainable?
The program catalyzes and supports cross-pollination between sectors, cultures, and generations and the linking of practitioners, policymakers, educators, and activists.
Our bi-monthly newsletters are chock full of resources, announcements, and links to great work at the intersection of arts and democracy.
Check out posts that report back on some of our recent activities here.
Profiles of Exemplary Projects in Arts and Democracy
What do we mean when we talk about "cultural organizing" and work "at the intersection of arts and democracy"? Check out these profiles of some projects that serve as best practice models in the field.
Some of the most creative strategies live in the intersections of disciplines, sectors, cultures and generations. This series of essays seeks to learn from a diverse group of creative people who recognize and further deep connections between environment, education, community development, politics, social service, public health and anthropology, and art and culture. The essays focus both on people's work, and on how their journey to a holistic perspective includes how they grew up, how they connect cultures and world views and how they balance their personal life and work.
Staff:
Caron Atlas, Project Director
Javiera Benavente, Cultural Organizer
Jason Bullock, Bridge Conversations Consultant
Amalia Deloney, Cultural Organizer
Kathie deNobriga, Project Manager
Yolanda Hippensteele, Communications Consultant
Lena Richardson, Bridge Conversations Coordinator & Co-Editor
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