<![CDATA[The Building Blocks of Effective Art and Social Change Practice - ART IS CHANGE: Strategies & Skills for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers]]>863525e5-eba1-5a11-b809-6b95a1b298d1Thu, 28 May 2026 17:34:21 +0000Captivate.fmBill Clevelandhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/a5e6de18-2f7c-48cb-af4d-742987fd3494/Art-is-Change-FINALX3K26.jpgThe Building Blocks of Effective Art and Social Change Practice - ART IS CHANGE: Strategies & Skills for Activist Artists & Cultural OrganizersBill ClevelandBill ClevelandIn this Collection of six episodes we present a series of hard and often unanswered questions for creative change agents and agencies. In it, we explore and debate what skills, strategies and practice we think will be most relevant to artists who are working to build the caring, capable and equitable communities we need to persevere and grow in the anti authoritarian pro democracy struggle. When I say we, I'm referring to myself and my partners in crime for this endeavor, namely activist, performer, impresario, historian and gunrunner for the arts Leni Sloan and educator, author, art and democracy animator and sage cultural advisor Barbara Shaffer Bacon. Both of whom have been making and supporting arts based change work forever. Which means that we have over 120 years and literally thousands of miles on our collective community arts odometers to do this. Over these six broadcasts we ask some basic but often vexing questions about what constitutes an effective, accountable, sustainable, and ethical art and change community centered practice.Can your art help dismantle injustice, shift systems, or spark healing in places like homeless shelters, emergency rooms, or city planning meetings? If you’re passionate about making a real difference through creativity, ART IS CHANGE (formerly known as Change the Story / Change the World) is your front-row seat to the real-world impact of art and social change. Hosted by author, musician, and researcher Bill Cleveland, each episode brings you deep into the lives and work of activist artists and cultural organizers who are doing more than dreaming—they’re transforming communities around the world. You’ll discover: • Proven strategies for thriving as an artist for change in complex, real-world settings • How to build meaningful, lasting partnerships that support your mission and your art • Lessons from global leaders creating cultural blueprints for justice, empathy, and resilience ▶️ Start with fan-favorite Episodes 86 and 87: Lessons From an Art and Change Pioneer—a double-dose of inspiration and practical insight.- https://change-the-story-chan.captivate.fm/episode/bighart-bigstory-redux/https://change-the-story-chan.captivate.fmtrueepisodicnopodcast156: Why Should Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers Care About Sustainability?156: Why Should Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers Care About Sustainability?Why does sustainability matter in activist art? When funding cycles are short, residencies are brief, and institutions often treat creative work as temporary or expendable, what does it mean to commit to change that lasts?

In this episode of Art Is Change, the sixth in our series on the building blocks of effective community arts practice, Bill Cleveland sits down with two legendary cultural leaders — Leni Sloan and Barbara Schaefer Bacon — to explore sustainability not as longevity for its own sake, but as ethical responsibility. From invisible lineages of community practice to the quiet power of relationships that outlast grants, they examine what truly endures when art engages deeply with communities.

Drawing on decades of experience as practitioners, funders, and advocates, this conversation 

  • challenges conventional ideas of growth, impact, and institutional survival.
  • asks whether sustainability lies in organizations, practices, relationships, 
  • or something more elusive — trust, memory, and the transmission of creative values across generations.

If you are an artist, cultural organizer, funder, or community partner grappling with how to build work that matters beyond the life of a project, this episode offers hard-earned wisdom, moral clarity, and a powerful reminder: some forms of change are too important to be temporary.

NOTABLE MENTIONS

People

  • Lenwood “Leni” Sloan – Activist artist, cultural organizer, impresario, and long-time leader in community-based arts practice; featured guest on Art Is Change.
  • Barbara Schaffer Bacon
  • – Former Co-Director of Animating Democracy, a national initiative advancing arts-based civic dialogue and democratic practice.
  • Bill Cleveland
  • – Host of Art Is Change and Director of the Center for the Study of Art and Community, with decades of experience in arts-based community development and cultural organizing.
  • Liz Lerman
  • – Choreographer, civic artist, and thought leader whose work has profoundly shaped community-based and socially engaged dance practice.
  • John O’Neal
  • – Playwright, performer, and cultural organizer; co-founder of the Free Southern Theater and founder of Junebug Productions, a cornerstone of African American community-based theater.
  • M. C. Richards
  • – Poet, potter, educator, and author whose writings on creativity, discipline, and teaching have deeply influenced generations of artists.

Organizations

  • Center for the Study of Art and Communit– A national resource supporting artists, organizations, and institutions working at the intersection of art, community, and social change.
  • Animating Democracy– A program of Americans for the Arts dedicated to advancing arts-based civic engagement, dialogue, and democratic practice.
  • Americans for the Arts– A leading U.S. nonprofit organization supporting arts advocacy, research, and policy nationwide.
  • Junebug Productions– New Orleans–based theater and cultural organization dedicated to artistic excellence, community engagement, and African American cultural traditions.
  • Sankofa African American Theatre Company
  • – Harrisburg-based community theater rooted in African American history, storytelling, and civic engagement.

Events / Concepts

  • Day With(out) Art– An annual global action initiated by Visual AIDS, aligning with World AIDS Day to highlight the impact of AIDS on artists and communities through exhibitions, programs, and public dialogue.
  • Community Cultural Development– A field of practice placing culture at the center of community life, social justice, and civic engagement; overview provided by the UMass Arts Extension Service, a long-standing authority in the field.

Historical / Lineage References


Acknowledgements

From FreeSound.org

Hello User: Bright Cheery Intro Music by jjmarsan -- https://freesound.org/s/476070/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Bosch’s Garden – Mythical Game Music for Fantasy and AI Projects by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/647212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Project Nine - Time is of the Essence: Minimalist Tune by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/662378/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

240625_2767-6_FR_Children_singing by kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/745207/ -- License: Attribution 

4.0custom_lexi_brain_blast_pew_sine_sweep_sound_V2_FINAL_06232025 by Artninja -- https://freesound.org/s/813190/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

*******

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>Why does sustainability matter in activist art? When funding cycles are short, residencies are brief, and institutions often treat creative work as temporary or expendable, what does it mean to commit to change that lasts?

In this episode of Art Is Change, the sixth in our series on the building blocks of effective community arts practice, Bill Cleveland sits down with two legendary cultural leaders — Leni Sloan and Barbara Schaefer Bacon — to explore sustainability not as longevity for its own sake, but as ethical responsibility. From invisible lineages of community practice to the quiet power of relationships that outlast grants, they examine what truly endures when art engages deeply with communities.

Drawing on decades of experience as practitioners, funders, and advocates, this conversation 

  • challenges conventional ideas of growth, impact, and institutional survival.
  • asks whether sustainability lies in organizations, practices, relationships, 
  • or something more elusive — trust, memory, and the transmission of creative values across generations.

If you are an artist, cultural organizer, funder, or community partner grappling with how to build work that matters beyond the life of a project, this episode offers hard-earned wisdom, moral clarity, and a powerful reminder: some forms of change are too important to be temporary.

NOTABLE MENTIONS

People

  • Lenwood “Leni” Sloan – Activist artist, cultural organizer, impresario, and long-time leader in community-based arts practice; featured guest on Art Is Change.
  • Barbara Schaffer Bacon
  • – Former Co-Director of Animating Democracy, a national initiative advancing arts-based civic dialogue and democratic practice.
  • Bill Cleveland
  • – Host of Art Is Change and Director of the Center for the Study of Art and Community, with decades of experience in arts-based community development and cultural organizing.
  • Liz Lerman
  • – Choreographer, civic artist, and thought leader whose work has profoundly shaped community-based and socially engaged dance practice.
  • John O’Neal
  • – Playwright, performer, and cultural organizer; co-founder of the Free Southern Theater and founder of Junebug Productions, a cornerstone of African American community-based theater.
  • M. C. Richards
  • – Poet, potter, educator, and author whose writings on creativity, discipline, and teaching have deeply influenced generations of artists.

Organizations

  • Center for the Study of Art and Communit– A national resource supporting artists, organizations, and institutions working at the intersection of art, community, and social change.
  • Animating Democracy– A program of Americans for the Arts dedicated to advancing arts-based civic engagement, dialogue, and democratic practice.
  • Americans for the Arts– A leading U.S. nonprofit organization supporting arts advocacy, research, and policy nationwide.
  • Junebug Productions– New Orleans–based theater and cultural organization dedicated to artistic excellence, community engagement, and African American cultural traditions.
  • Sankofa African American Theatre Company
  • – Harrisburg-based community theater rooted in African American history, storytelling, and civic engagement.

Events / Concepts

  • Day With(out) Art– An annual global action initiated by Visual AIDS, aligning with World AIDS Day to highlight the impact of AIDS on artists and communities through exhibitions, programs, and public dialogue.
  • Community Cultural Development– A field of practice placing culture at the center of community life, social justice, and civic engagement; overview provided by the UMass Arts Extension Service, a long-standing authority in the field.

Historical / Lineage References


Acknowledgements

From FreeSound.org

Hello User: Bright Cheery Intro Music by jjmarsan -- https://freesound.org/s/476070/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Bosch’s Garden – Mythical Game Music for Fantasy and AI Projects by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/647212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Project Nine - Time is of the Essence: Minimalist Tune by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/662378/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

240625_2767-6_FR_Children_singing by kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/745207/ -- License: Attribution 

4.0custom_lexi_brain_blast_pew_sine_sweep_sound_V2_FINAL_06232025 by Artninja -- https://freesound.org/s/813190/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

*******

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>dfd2e676-68f8-4d88-baae-0fecdcf31b01Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:45:00 -070020:42truefull156156155: Why Are Humility & Failure Essential to Art and Social Change Success?155: Why Are Humility & Failure Essential to Art and Social Change Success?This episode digs into one of the trickiest—and most revealing—corners of community-based arts work: the way humility and failure shape everything we do, from a 12-line role in Richard II to a city-wide public-art firestorm.

Leni Sloan, Barbara Shaffer Bacon and Bill Cleveland tumble into stories that peel back the glossy surface of “successful” arts practice:

  • the actor with decades of experience learning cadence from an 18-year-old,
  • the choreographer who turned military restrictions into creative fuel,
  • the prison poet who left a Broadway star speechless.

And threaded through it all is this question: how do we stay porous enough—humble enough—to learn what the work is actually teaching us?

Together they talk about the kind of failure that doesn’t end a project but opens it—cracks the thing apart so the next, truer version can breathe. And they remind us that in this art-and-community dance, no one is ever done learning, not even the masters.

Listen in as we explore why humility is not soft, and failure is not fatal—they’re simply part of the craft.

And stick around: the next episode asks the big follow-up question—what responsibility do we carry for sustaining access to creative resources once communities have experienced their transformative power?

To donate to Spoon Jackson's Fund:

Use this Venmo account @Cheryl-Cotterill or send a check to:

Cheryl Cotterill

Attorney at Law

1770 Post Street #207

San Francisco, CA 94115

NOTABLE MENTIONS

People

Leni Sloan

Actor, director, community-arts practitioner, and co-conversationalist in this episode, reflecting on humility, failure, and learning within community-engaged art. 

Barbara Schaffer Bacon

Co-director of Animating Democracy and long-time leader in arts-based community development; contributes insight into constraints, ethics, and readiness in community practice. 

Lori Woolery

Director formerly with Cornerstone Theater Company and a leader of community-based productions at The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. 

Liz Lerman

Choreographer, educator, and founder of the Dance Exchange, known for pioneering community-based performance projects including The Shipyard Project. 

Robert Frost

Poet quoted for the line “Freedom is riding easy in the harness,” used here to illuminate creative constraint. 

M.C. Richards

Potter, writer, and philosopher known for her disciplined practice of smashing imperfect pots—a metaphor for artistic rigor and humility. 

F. Murray Abraham

Award-winning actor involved in the Broadway production of Waiting for Godot, who visited San Quentin and sought insight from incarcerated actor Spoon Jackson. 

Spoon Jackson

Poet, educator, and long-incarcerated artist whose work in Arts-in-Corrections and performance in Waiting for Godot continues to inspire communities worldwide. Now eligible for review under California’s Racial Justice Act. 

Events & Projects

The Shipyard Project

A groundbreaking community dance and dialogue project led by Liz Lerman and the Dance Exchange in Portsmouth, NH, exploring the tensions around the naval shipyard’s potential closure. 

Sacramento “Indo Arch” Public Art Controversy (1980s)

A major debate around a celebrated new public artwork whose meaning shifted with geopolitical conflict, sparking weeks of city council deliberation. (General Sacramento public art reference: https://www.sacramento365.com/public-art/) 

San Quentin Production of Waiting for Godot

A culturally significant prison-based performance in which incarcerated actors, including Spoon Jackson, staged Beckett’s play for outside audiences and visiting artists like F. Murray Abraham. 

Creative Community Leadership Institute (CCLI) (archival)

A long-running community-arts training program in Minnesota whose curriculum underwent major revision after direct feedback from BIPOC participants. 

Organizations

Cornerstone Theater Company

A nationally recognized organization creating theater with and for communities across the U.S. 

The Public Theater

New York City’s home for Shakespeare in the Park and large-scale community productions involving hundreds of local participants. 

Dance Exchange

An interdisciplinary performance company exploring the intersection of art, community dialogue, and participatory practice. 

California Arts-in-Corrections Program

A statewide partnership providing arts education inside prisons, central to the development and visibility of artists like Spoon Jackson. 

California Racial Justice Act

Legislation allowing incarcerated individuals to seek relief when racial bias may have influenced their conviction or sentencing. 

Publications / Texts

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett

The canonical absurdist play discussed in relation to San Quentin’s historic production. 

*****

Change the Story / Change the World is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>This episode digs into one of the trickiest—and most revealing—corners of community-based arts work: the way humility and failure shape everything we do, from a 12-line role in Richard II to a city-wide public-art firestorm.

Leni Sloan, Barbara Shaffer Bacon and Bill Cleveland tumble into stories that peel back the glossy surface of “successful” arts practice:

  • the actor with decades of experience learning cadence from an 18-year-old,
  • the choreographer who turned military restrictions into creative fuel,
  • the prison poet who left a Broadway star speechless.

And threaded through it all is this question: how do we stay porous enough—humble enough—to learn what the work is actually teaching us?

Together they talk about the kind of failure that doesn’t end a project but opens it—cracks the thing apart so the next, truer version can breathe. And they remind us that in this art-and-community dance, no one is ever done learning, not even the masters.

Listen in as we explore why humility is not soft, and failure is not fatal—they’re simply part of the craft.

And stick around: the next episode asks the big follow-up question—what responsibility do we carry for sustaining access to creative resources once communities have experienced their transformative power?

To donate to Spoon Jackson's Fund:

Use this Venmo account @Cheryl-Cotterill or send a check to:

Cheryl Cotterill

Attorney at Law

1770 Post Street #207

San Francisco, CA 94115

NOTABLE MENTIONS

People

Leni Sloan

Actor, director, community-arts practitioner, and co-conversationalist in this episode, reflecting on humility, failure, and learning within community-engaged art. 

Barbara Schaffer Bacon

Co-director of Animating Democracy and long-time leader in arts-based community development; contributes insight into constraints, ethics, and readiness in community practice. 

Lori Woolery

Director formerly with Cornerstone Theater Company and a leader of community-based productions at The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. 

Liz Lerman

Choreographer, educator, and founder of the Dance Exchange, known for pioneering community-based performance projects including The Shipyard Project. 

Robert Frost

Poet quoted for the line “Freedom is riding easy in the harness,” used here to illuminate creative constraint. 

M.C. Richards

Potter, writer, and philosopher known for her disciplined practice of smashing imperfect pots—a metaphor for artistic rigor and humility. 

F. Murray Abraham

Award-winning actor involved in the Broadway production of Waiting for Godot, who visited San Quentin and sought insight from incarcerated actor Spoon Jackson. 

Spoon Jackson

Poet, educator, and long-incarcerated artist whose work in Arts-in-Corrections and performance in Waiting for Godot continues to inspire communities worldwide. Now eligible for review under California’s Racial Justice Act. 

Events & Projects

The Shipyard Project

A groundbreaking community dance and dialogue project led by Liz Lerman and the Dance Exchange in Portsmouth, NH, exploring the tensions around the naval shipyard’s potential closure. 

Sacramento “Indo Arch” Public Art Controversy (1980s)

A major debate around a celebrated new public artwork whose meaning shifted with geopolitical conflict, sparking weeks of city council deliberation. (General Sacramento public art reference: https://www.sacramento365.com/public-art/) 

San Quentin Production of Waiting for Godot

A culturally significant prison-based performance in which incarcerated actors, including Spoon Jackson, staged Beckett’s play for outside audiences and visiting artists like F. Murray Abraham. 

Creative Community Leadership Institute (CCLI) (archival)

A long-running community-arts training program in Minnesota whose curriculum underwent major revision after direct feedback from BIPOC participants. 

Organizations

Cornerstone Theater Company

A nationally recognized organization creating theater with and for communities across the U.S. 

The Public Theater

New York City’s home for Shakespeare in the Park and large-scale community productions involving hundreds of local participants. 

Dance Exchange

An interdisciplinary performance company exploring the intersection of art, community dialogue, and participatory practice. 

California Arts-in-Corrections Program

A statewide partnership providing arts education inside prisons, central to the development and visibility of artists like Spoon Jackson. 

California Racial Justice Act

Legislation allowing incarcerated individuals to seek relief when racial bias may have influenced their conviction or sentencing. 

Publications / Texts

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett

The canonical absurdist play discussed in relation to San Quentin’s historic production. 

*****

Change the Story / Change the World is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>e8b90c65-796a-40fe-b1bb-866ebd57b56eWed, 10 Dec 2025 04:45:00 -070023:01truefull155155154: What are the Moral & Ethical Challenges Facing Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers?154: What are the Moral & Ethical Challenges Facing Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers?Budgets frozen. Institutions wobbling. Political earthquakes everywhere. In the middle of all that, many artists and cultural workers are stepping straight into the messy moral world of community change.

This episode is the fourth in our special series where we're unpacking the building blocks of effective art and social change practice,

This episode we explore: 

  • What happens when “good intentions” aren’t enough?
  • What do we owe the communities we hope to serve?
  • And how does an artist even begin to understand the ethical weight of their presence in places carrying trauma, tension, or long histories of power imbalance?

Notable Mentions

People

  • Bill Cleveland – Host of Art Is Change and Director of the Center for the Study of Art & Community.
  • Leni Sloan – Activist, performer, impresario, and cultural historian.
  • Barbara Schaffer Bacon – Educator, author, and longtime arts-and-democracy leader.
  • Confucius – Philosopher quoted on the cultural health of society.
  • Carol Bebelle – Co-founder of Ashé Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans.
  • Roberta Uno – Director and cultural organizer referenced via Project 2050.
  • Judy Munson – Composer for the series' theme and soundscapes.
  • Andre Neppe – Text editor for the series.

Organizations


Events

  • Pennsylvania Arts Residency Shutdowns – State-level budget freeze causing all residencies to wind down.
  • California Gerrymandering Ballot Vote – Referenced political event affecting democratic institutions.
  • White House East Wing Renovation – Described as symbolic cultural destabilization.
  • Northern Ireland Peace-Sector Encounters – Experiences working in sectarian communities.
  • Prison Songwriting Class – A pivotal ethical moment demonstrating the power of creative work.

Publications / Texts

  • Confucian Canon – Referenced philosophically regarding art and society.

*******

Change the Story / Change the World is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>Budgets frozen. Institutions wobbling. Political earthquakes everywhere. In the middle of all that, many artists and cultural workers are stepping straight into the messy moral world of community change.

This episode is the fourth in our special series where we're unpacking the building blocks of effective art and social change practice,

This episode we explore: 

  • What happens when “good intentions” aren’t enough?
  • What do we owe the communities we hope to serve?
  • And how does an artist even begin to understand the ethical weight of their presence in places carrying trauma, tension, or long histories of power imbalance?

Notable Mentions

People

  • Bill Cleveland – Host of Art Is Change and Director of the Center for the Study of Art & Community.
  • Leni Sloan – Activist, performer, impresario, and cultural historian.
  • Barbara Schaffer Bacon – Educator, author, and longtime arts-and-democracy leader.
  • Confucius – Philosopher quoted on the cultural health of society.
  • Carol Bebelle – Co-founder of Ashé Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans.
  • Roberta Uno – Director and cultural organizer referenced via Project 2050.
  • Judy Munson – Composer for the series' theme and soundscapes.
  • Andre Neppe – Text editor for the series.

Organizations


Events

  • Pennsylvania Arts Residency Shutdowns – State-level budget freeze causing all residencies to wind down.
  • California Gerrymandering Ballot Vote – Referenced political event affecting democratic institutions.
  • White House East Wing Renovation – Described as symbolic cultural destabilization.
  • Northern Ireland Peace-Sector Encounters – Experiences working in sectarian communities.
  • Prison Songwriting Class – A pivotal ethical moment demonstrating the power of creative work.

Publications / Texts

  • Confucian Canon – Referenced philosophically regarding art and society.

*******

Change the Story / Change the World is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>6a111de4-e23d-4def-a2ed-23b81fb1f626Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:30:00 -070021:51truefull154154138: Self-Care: Why it Matters for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers!138: Self-Care: Why it Matters for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers! If you’re a cultural worker navigating the messy, magical middle ground of art and activism, who’s taking care of you?

Now, if you’ve been with us over the last two episodes, you’ll know we’ve been tackling what we call the building blocks of effective community arts practice—those foundational elements that help artists not just make meaningful work, but do so in ways that are ethical, sustainable, and rooted in justice.

In Episode 1, we explored Accountability: To whom, and for what, are we truly responsible in our work?

In Episode 2, we examined Leadership: How do cultural workers lead without domination, and how do they grow others in the process?

And today, we turn inward—to a topic that is as personal as it is political: self-care.

Because the truth is, being a cultural activist is not just a calling—it’s also exhausting. In this conversation, my partners-in-crime—artist and historian Leni Sloan and cultural organizer Barbara Shaffer Bacon—and I dive into the real and raw question: How do we sustain ourselves in this work?

We’ll talk about the material needs often left unmet—like housing, healthcare, childcare—and why self-care isn’t just bubble baths, it’s a structural necessity. We’ll share stories about burnout, soul-feeding practices, and what it means to build and rely on an ecosystem of mutual care.

And as always, we’re not just reflecting—we’re passing on what we’ve learned over a collective century of practice. So whether you’re a parade leader, a prickly cactus, or a builder of the long tail, we hope this episode gives you room to breathe, reflect, and reimagine what sustainability can look like in the world of community-based art.

Let’s get into it.

Great! Below is a version of the requested list formatted specifically for show notes on Captivate.fm. It is optimized for readability, includes clickable hyperlinks, and presents the categories clearly to support podcast listeners looking to explore the episode’s references further.

Series: Building Blocks of Effective Community Arts Practice

Notable Mentions

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 

People

  • Bill Cleveland – Host of Art is Change and founder of the Center for the Study of Art and Community.
  • Leni Sloan – Artist, activist, and former NEA program director, known for arts policy and cultural leadership.
  • Barbara Schaffer Bacon – Educator, movement-builder, and co-director of Animating Democracy.
  • Linda Stout – Community organizer and founder of Spirit in Action, supporting sustainability for activists.
  • Liz Lerman – Choreographer and pioneer in community-based dance and social practice arts.
  • Grace Lee Boggs – Philosopher and activist who emphasized the importance of reflection in movement work.
  • Stephen Goldstein – Former director of the San Francisco Arts Commission.
  • Jack Davis – Late administrator who helped develop infrastructure for working artists.
  • Wendy Schenefelt – Executive Director of Alternate ROOTS, featured in the upcoming episode.

📅 

Events Referenced


🏛️ 

Organizations & Programs


📚 

Reports, Concepts & Initiatives

  • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – Framework for understanding the basic needs of artists—housing, safety, health.
  • “Pay Equity: A Study of the Cultural Workforce in the Berkshires” – A report highlighting financial instability among arts workers.
  • “Shot for a Shot” Vaccine Campaign – Creative public health program for artists offering vaccinations and drinks in exchange for showing tattoos.
  • Invisible Artist Ecosystem – Describes informal networks of shared resources like gear, rehearsal space, and materials that sustain artistic communities.
  • Passion-Based Industry – Term used to describe the emotionally rewarding but financially unstable nature of community arts work.

📌 Want to learn more? Visit www.artandcommunity.com for resources, archives, and more information about the Art is Change podcast and related programs.

Acknowledgements

Form FreeSound.org

Raw data glitch 9 by Kronek9 -- https://freesound.org/s/676952/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Homage - Hypnotic and dreamy track comprised of a single minimalist ambient evolving synth by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/626466/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Bosch’s Garden – Mythical Game Music for Fantasy and AI Projects by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/647212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

*******

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists,]]> If you’re a cultural worker navigating the messy, magical middle ground of art and activism, who’s taking care of you?

Now, if you’ve been with us over the last two episodes, you’ll know we’ve been tackling what we call the building blocks of effective community arts practice—those foundational elements that help artists not just make meaningful work, but do so in ways that are ethical, sustainable, and rooted in justice.

In Episode 1, we explored Accountability: To whom, and for what, are we truly responsible in our work?

In Episode 2, we examined Leadership: How do cultural workers lead without domination, and how do they grow others in the process?

And today, we turn inward—to a topic that is as personal as it is political: self-care.

Because the truth is, being a cultural activist is not just a calling—it’s also exhausting. In this conversation, my partners-in-crime—artist and historian Leni Sloan and cultural organizer Barbara Shaffer Bacon—and I dive into the real and raw question: How do we sustain ourselves in this work?

We’ll talk about the material needs often left unmet—like housing, healthcare, childcare—and why self-care isn’t just bubble baths, it’s a structural necessity. We’ll share stories about burnout, soul-feeding practices, and what it means to build and rely on an ecosystem of mutual care.

And as always, we’re not just reflecting—we’re passing on what we’ve learned over a collective century of practice. So whether you’re a parade leader, a prickly cactus, or a builder of the long tail, we hope this episode gives you room to breathe, reflect, and reimagine what sustainability can look like in the world of community-based art.

Let’s get into it.

Great! Below is a version of the requested list formatted specifically for show notes on Captivate.fm. It is optimized for readability, includes clickable hyperlinks, and presents the categories clearly to support podcast listeners looking to explore the episode’s references further.

Series: Building Blocks of Effective Community Arts Practice

Notable Mentions

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 

People

  • Bill Cleveland – Host of Art is Change and founder of the Center for the Study of Art and Community.
  • Leni Sloan – Artist, activist, and former NEA program director, known for arts policy and cultural leadership.
  • Barbara Schaffer Bacon – Educator, movement-builder, and co-director of Animating Democracy.
  • Linda Stout – Community organizer and founder of Spirit in Action, supporting sustainability for activists.
  • Liz Lerman – Choreographer and pioneer in community-based dance and social practice arts.
  • Grace Lee Boggs – Philosopher and activist who emphasized the importance of reflection in movement work.
  • Stephen Goldstein – Former director of the San Francisco Arts Commission.
  • Jack Davis – Late administrator who helped develop infrastructure for working artists.
  • Wendy Schenefelt – Executive Director of Alternate ROOTS, featured in the upcoming episode.

📅 

Events Referenced


🏛️ 

Organizations & Programs


📚 

Reports, Concepts & Initiatives

  • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – Framework for understanding the basic needs of artists—housing, safety, health.
  • “Pay Equity: A Study of the Cultural Workforce in the Berkshires” – A report highlighting financial instability among arts workers.
  • “Shot for a Shot” Vaccine Campaign – Creative public health program for artists offering vaccinations and drinks in exchange for showing tattoos.
  • Invisible Artist Ecosystem – Describes informal networks of shared resources like gear, rehearsal space, and materials that sustain artistic communities.
  • Passion-Based Industry – Term used to describe the emotionally rewarding but financially unstable nature of community arts work.

📌 Want to learn more? Visit www.artandcommunity.com for resources, archives, and more information about the Art is Change podcast and related programs.

Acknowledgements

Form FreeSound.org

Raw data glitch 9 by Kronek9 -- https://freesound.org/s/676952/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Homage - Hypnotic and dreamy track comprised of a single minimalist ambient evolving synth by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/626466/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Bosch’s Garden – Mythical Game Music for Fantasy and AI Projects by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/647212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

*******

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>de48cd3d-7b2e-4c6f-8199-d478bf174ca0Wed, 13 Aug 2025 04:45:00 -070020:45truefull138138137: Can Artist activists and cultural organizers become trusted community leaders?137: Can Artist activists and cultural organizers become trusted community leaders?Can an artist lead a community?

What does it take for cultural activists to become trusted stewards of change in divisive times?

In a world grappling with polarization and rising authoritarianism, the need for compassionate, imaginative leadership has never been more urgent. This episode dives into how artists and cultural workers already operating in community spaces can embrace roles as civic leaders—balancing creativity with responsibility and vision with service.

  • Discover how leadership can be reframed through metaphors like the wedding planner, the parade leader, and the soul shepherd.
  • Hear powerful stories of artistic ingenuity in places like death row and urban neighborhoods that reveal art’s transformative power.
  • Learn the foundational traits and practical strategies for leading with courage, communication, and care in culturally complex contexts.

Notable Mentions:

Here’s a categorized, hyperlinked list of the People, Events, Organizations, and Publications mentioned in the podcast episode,

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 

People

Bill Cleveland

Host of Art is Change podcast and founder of the Center for the Study of Art and Community, focused on arts-based social change.

Barbara Schaffer Bacon

Educator, author, and cultural advisor known for her work in community arts and co-director of Animating Democracy at Americans for the Arts.

Leni Sloan

Activist, performer, former NEA program director, and public arts strategist, known for subversive leadership through arts policy and programming.

Marty Pottenger

Theater artist and cultural organizer integrating art with social justice and civic engagement on issues like labor rights and police reform.

Hubert Massey

Detroit-based muralist and sculptor creating community-centered public art that reflects local culture and history.

Ruth Asawa

Japanese American visual artist and educator, interned during WWII, known for her wire sculptures and arts advocacy in education.

Lynelle Herrick (limited public information)

Artist who facilitated portrait painting classes on death row, creating a transformative creative community among incarcerated men.

Jane Golden

Founder of Mural Arts Philadelphia, pioneering large-scale public mural projects as tools for community storytelling and change.

Judy Baca

Renowned Chicana muralist and founder of the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC), creator of The Great Wall of Los Angeles.

Andres Serrano

Contemporary artist best known for the controversial photograph Piss Christ, which ignited national debates on public arts funding.

Holly Hughes and Tim Miller

Performance artists involved in the 1990s NEA funding controversy related to artistic expression and censorship.

Sidney R. Yates

Longtime U.S. Congressman and arts advocate who negotiated NEA budget deals during cultural controversies.

Randolph McCausland (Randy McCaus) (limited public bio)

Former deputy chairman of the NEA; advised on convening and planning as essential tools in arts leadership.

📅 

Events

Japanese American Internment Camps

WWII-era incarceration of Japanese Americans, referenced in Ruth Asawa’s origin story and artwork.

Sesquicentennial Celebrations (Pennsylvania)

Community commemorations of Pennsylvania’s 150th anniversary, used creatively by Leni Sloan to encourage inclusive local histories.

NEA “Culture Wars” Controversy (1990s)

Political conflict over federal arts funding sparked by works like Piss Christ and performances by the “NEA Four,” including Hughes and Miller.


🏛️ 

Organizations

Center for the Study of Art and Community

Producer of the Art is Change podcast; supports community-based art initiatives and leadership.

Animating Democracy (Americans for the Arts)

National program supporting art and civic dialogue, co-led by Barbara Schaffer Bacon.

Mural Arts Philadelphia

Nation’s largest public art program, transforming Philadelphia through collaborative mural projects.

SPARC (Social and Public Art Resource Center)

Los Angeles-based community arts center co-founded by Judy Baca to promote public art as social dialogue.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

U.S. federal agency that funds and supports artistic excellence, creativity, and access, central to discussions of censorship and funding.

Horace Mann School (San Francisco)

Public school where Ruth Asawa led a transformative community arts initiative involving students as curators and storytellers.

Freesound.org

Online collaborative database of audio snippets and sound effects, used for production in the podcast.


📚 

Publications (Artworks / Projects / Phrases)

Piss Christ by Andres Serrano

Controversial 1987 photograph of a crucifix submerged in urine, sparking major arts funding debates.

The Great Wall of Los Angeles

Monumental mural led by Judy Baca, documenting overlooked histories of marginalized groups in California.

Gun Runner for the Arts (metaphorical)

A term coined by Leni Sloan to describe bold, risky cultural leadership; not an official publication but emblematic of arts activism.


Acknowledgements

From Freesound.org

horror ambience 26.wav by klankbeeld -- https://freesound.org/s/172036/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Cows mooing in a valley in the Pyrenees 2 by Virgile_Loiseau -- https://freesound.org/s/751736/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0


*****

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to...]]>Can an artist lead a community?

What does it take for cultural activists to become trusted stewards of change in divisive times?

In a world grappling with polarization and rising authoritarianism, the need for compassionate, imaginative leadership has never been more urgent. This episode dives into how artists and cultural workers already operating in community spaces can embrace roles as civic leaders—balancing creativity with responsibility and vision with service.

  • Discover how leadership can be reframed through metaphors like the wedding planner, the parade leader, and the soul shepherd.
  • Hear powerful stories of artistic ingenuity in places like death row and urban neighborhoods that reveal art’s transformative power.
  • Learn the foundational traits and practical strategies for leading with courage, communication, and care in culturally complex contexts.

Notable Mentions:

Here’s a categorized, hyperlinked list of the People, Events, Organizations, and Publications mentioned in the podcast episode,

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 

People

Bill Cleveland

Host of Art is Change podcast and founder of the Center for the Study of Art and Community, focused on arts-based social change.

Barbara Schaffer Bacon

Educator, author, and cultural advisor known for her work in community arts and co-director of Animating Democracy at Americans for the Arts.

Leni Sloan

Activist, performer, former NEA program director, and public arts strategist, known for subversive leadership through arts policy and programming.

Marty Pottenger

Theater artist and cultural organizer integrating art with social justice and civic engagement on issues like labor rights and police reform.

Hubert Massey

Detroit-based muralist and sculptor creating community-centered public art that reflects local culture and history.

Ruth Asawa

Japanese American visual artist and educator, interned during WWII, known for her wire sculptures and arts advocacy in education.

Lynelle Herrick (limited public information)

Artist who facilitated portrait painting classes on death row, creating a transformative creative community among incarcerated men.

Jane Golden

Founder of Mural Arts Philadelphia, pioneering large-scale public mural projects as tools for community storytelling and change.

Judy Baca

Renowned Chicana muralist and founder of the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC), creator of The Great Wall of Los Angeles.

Andres Serrano

Contemporary artist best known for the controversial photograph Piss Christ, which ignited national debates on public arts funding.

Holly Hughes and Tim Miller

Performance artists involved in the 1990s NEA funding controversy related to artistic expression and censorship.

Sidney R. Yates

Longtime U.S. Congressman and arts advocate who negotiated NEA budget deals during cultural controversies.

Randolph McCausland (Randy McCaus) (limited public bio)

Former deputy chairman of the NEA; advised on convening and planning as essential tools in arts leadership.

📅 

Events

Japanese American Internment Camps

WWII-era incarceration of Japanese Americans, referenced in Ruth Asawa’s origin story and artwork.

Sesquicentennial Celebrations (Pennsylvania)

Community commemorations of Pennsylvania’s 150th anniversary, used creatively by Leni Sloan to encourage inclusive local histories.

NEA “Culture Wars” Controversy (1990s)

Political conflict over federal arts funding sparked by works like Piss Christ and performances by the “NEA Four,” including Hughes and Miller.


🏛️ 

Organizations

Center for the Study of Art and Community

Producer of the Art is Change podcast; supports community-based art initiatives and leadership.

Animating Democracy (Americans for the Arts)

National program supporting art and civic dialogue, co-led by Barbara Schaffer Bacon.

Mural Arts Philadelphia

Nation’s largest public art program, transforming Philadelphia through collaborative mural projects.

SPARC (Social and Public Art Resource Center)

Los Angeles-based community arts center co-founded by Judy Baca to promote public art as social dialogue.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

U.S. federal agency that funds and supports artistic excellence, creativity, and access, central to discussions of censorship and funding.

Horace Mann School (San Francisco)

Public school where Ruth Asawa led a transformative community arts initiative involving students as curators and storytellers.

Freesound.org

Online collaborative database of audio snippets and sound effects, used for production in the podcast.


📚 

Publications (Artworks / Projects / Phrases)

Piss Christ by Andres Serrano

Controversial 1987 photograph of a crucifix submerged in urine, sparking major arts funding debates.

The Great Wall of Los Angeles

Monumental mural led by Judy Baca, documenting overlooked histories of marginalized groups in California.

Gun Runner for the Arts (metaphorical)

A term coined by Leni Sloan to describe bold, risky cultural leadership; not an official publication but emblematic of arts activism.


Acknowledgements

From Freesound.org

horror ambience 26.wav by klankbeeld -- https://freesound.org/s/172036/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Cows mooing in a valley in the Pyrenees 2 by Virgile_Loiseau -- https://freesound.org/s/751736/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0


*****

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>4331e7a9-1a88-4355-9bc4-d35df45f06bbWed, 06 Aug 2025 04:45:00 -070023:16truefull137137136: What Are Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers Accountable to in Their Work?136: What Are Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers Accountable to in Their Work?To whom or what are artists and cultural organizers truly accountable—and why does it matter?

In an age where creative work increasingly intersects with social change, understanding accountability is crucial for artists striving to make a civic impact. Whether you’re creating in your own community or stepping into unfamiliar territory, this episode explores the moral and practical anchors that define responsible, effective, and meaningful community cultural engagement.

  • Learn how deep cultural competency and trust-building are essential for impactful community-based art.
  • Discover real-world examples, like Marty Pottenger’s transformative police poetry project, that reveal the power of accountability to inspire civic connection.
  • Gain insights into the layered responsibilities artists carry—from honoring their craft to serving diverse community stakeholders ethically.

Notable Mentions

🧑‍🎨 People

1. Bill Cleveland

Host of Art is Change and director of the Center for the Study of Art & Community; a key voice in community-based art and cultural development.

2. Jerry Stropnicky

Veteran theater director known for creating community theater frameworks; referenced for his “A Principles” guide in episode 135.

3. Barbara Schaffer Bacon

Educator, cultural advisor, and longtime advocate for arts-based civic engagement; co-host on this episode.

4. Leni Sloan

Cultural activist, performer, and historian, recognized for decades of work integrating art, identity, and democracy.

5. Marty Pottenger

Playwright, performer, and cultural organizer whose work blends theater with social justice themes like labor rights and police-community relations.

6. Chuck Davis

Founder of DanceAfrica, he was pivotal in bringing African dance to American audiences in respectful and celebratory ways.

7. Catherine Dunham

Influential dancer and anthropologist who brought African and Caribbean dance traditions into American theater and film.

8. Pearl Primus

A pioneering African-American choreographer and anthropologist, known for exploring African diasporic traditions in dance.

📅 Events

1. DanceAfrica

A vibrant festival of African and African-American dance, music, and culture hosted by the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM); discussed as an example of cultural appropriation and transformation.

2. No Kings Actions

Referenced as a current cultural movement or art action focused on community-led change and artistic protest (exact reference likely points to grassroots activist performances).

3. Dinner Down Main Street

A community arts event metaphor representing public engagement, celebration, and co-created civic dialogue.

🏢 Organizations

1. Center for the Study of Art and Community

The organization that produces Art is Change and supports creative community change projects through the arts.

2. Portland, Maine Police Department

Collaborated with Marty Pottenger in a creative initiative involving police officers writing and sharing poetry with the public.

3. Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

Prestigious arts institution that hosts DanceAfrica; highlighted in a discussion on cultural translation and appropriation.

4. Freesound.org

A collaborative database of Creative Commons licensed sound effects used in the podcast.

📚 Publications/Works

1. Art at Work

A cultural organizing initiative founded by Marty Pottenger that integrates art into municipal systems to build civic health and connection.

2. Police Poetry Calendar

Part of the Art at Work project in Portland, Maine, this calendar showcased poems written by police officers to build trust and humanize public servants.

Acknowledgements:

From Fresound.org

190621_0386_FR_AfricanDrums.wav by kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/475150/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Crowd Applause - Clapping Hands by imagefilm.berlin -- https://freesound.org/s/746442/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Acoustic Guitar - Sleepy - br ch 1 - 127bpm Bb.wav by afrodrumming -- https://freesound.org/s/187686/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

From a presentation by percussionist Terreon Gully at the on the compelling legacy of Katherine Dunham’s dance school in East St. Louis and its connections to jazz, dance, and African drumming. This event will explore how Dunham’s cultural movement shaped the region and influenced generations of musicians and artists.

https://www.youtube.com/live/VzWFU4oFK4I?si=jUcFPi4ClVMRP8wb


*****

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>To whom or what are artists and cultural organizers truly accountable—and why does it matter?

In an age where creative work increasingly intersects with social change, understanding accountability is crucial for artists striving to make a civic impact. Whether you’re creating in your own community or stepping into unfamiliar territory, this episode explores the moral and practical anchors that define responsible, effective, and meaningful community cultural engagement.

  • Learn how deep cultural competency and trust-building are essential for impactful community-based art.
  • Discover real-world examples, like Marty Pottenger’s transformative police poetry project, that reveal the power of accountability to inspire civic connection.
  • Gain insights into the layered responsibilities artists carry—from honoring their craft to serving diverse community stakeholders ethically.

Notable Mentions

🧑‍🎨 People

1. Bill Cleveland

Host of Art is Change and director of the Center for the Study of Art & Community; a key voice in community-based art and cultural development.

2. Jerry Stropnicky

Veteran theater director known for creating community theater frameworks; referenced for his “A Principles” guide in episode 135.

3. Barbara Schaffer Bacon

Educator, cultural advisor, and longtime advocate for arts-based civic engagement; co-host on this episode.

4. Leni Sloan

Cultural activist, performer, and historian, recognized for decades of work integrating art, identity, and democracy.

5. Marty Pottenger

Playwright, performer, and cultural organizer whose work blends theater with social justice themes like labor rights and police-community relations.

6. Chuck Davis

Founder of DanceAfrica, he was pivotal in bringing African dance to American audiences in respectful and celebratory ways.

7. Catherine Dunham

Influential dancer and anthropologist who brought African and Caribbean dance traditions into American theater and film.

8. Pearl Primus

A pioneering African-American choreographer and anthropologist, known for exploring African diasporic traditions in dance.

📅 Events

1. DanceAfrica

A vibrant festival of African and African-American dance, music, and culture hosted by the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM); discussed as an example of cultural appropriation and transformation.

2. No Kings Actions

Referenced as a current cultural movement or art action focused on community-led change and artistic protest (exact reference likely points to grassroots activist performances).

3. Dinner Down Main Street

A community arts event metaphor representing public engagement, celebration, and co-created civic dialogue.

🏢 Organizations

1. Center for the Study of Art and Community

The organization that produces Art is Change and supports creative community change projects through the arts.

2. Portland, Maine Police Department

Collaborated with Marty Pottenger in a creative initiative involving police officers writing and sharing poetry with the public.

3. Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

Prestigious arts institution that hosts DanceAfrica; highlighted in a discussion on cultural translation and appropriation.

4. Freesound.org

A collaborative database of Creative Commons licensed sound effects used in the podcast.

📚 Publications/Works

1. Art at Work

A cultural organizing initiative founded by Marty Pottenger that integrates art into municipal systems to build civic health and connection.

2. Police Poetry Calendar

Part of the Art at Work project in Portland, Maine, this calendar showcased poems written by police officers to build trust and humanize public servants.

Acknowledgements:

From Fresound.org

190621_0386_FR_AfricanDrums.wav by kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/475150/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Crowd Applause - Clapping Hands by imagefilm.berlin -- https://freesound.org/s/746442/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Acoustic Guitar - Sleepy - br ch 1 - 127bpm Bb.wav by afrodrumming -- https://freesound.org/s/187686/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

From a presentation by percussionist Terreon Gully at the on the compelling legacy of Katherine Dunham’s dance school in East St. Louis and its connections to jazz, dance, and African drumming. This event will explore how Dunham’s cultural movement shaped the region and influenced generations of musicians and artists.

https://www.youtube.com/live/VzWFU4oFK4I?si=jUcFPi4ClVMRP8wb


*****

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>d8526bec-d04f-4e1c-8da5-8c16e17ac2c4Wed, 30 Jul 2025 04:45:00 -070031:39truefull136136163: Arts Freedom Weather Report: MINNEAPOLIS JAN. 2026163: Arts Freedom Weather Report: MINNEAPOLIS JAN. 2026What does it look like when artists and cultural organizers respond to authoritarian pressure—not with silence or fear, but with imagination, strategy, and collective action?


This January 2026 Arts Freedom Weather Report comes from Minneapolis, a city once again at the epicenter of grief, rage, courage, and creative resistance. In the wake of multiple killings, intensified ICE activity, and federal misinformation, communities across Minnesota are responding not only with protest—but with song, ritual, writing, mutual aid, and rapid-response cultural organizing.

In this episode, we explore three urgent realities shaping this moment:

  1. How culture becomes infrastructure for democracy when institutions fail—through singing vigils, collective mourning, and grassroots artistic action.
  2. What decentralized resistance actually looks like on the ground, as hundreds of small, uncoordinated acts add up to something powerful and sustained.
  3. How imagination, grief, and creative practice help people endure and act, especially in communities long accustomed to state violence and surveillance.

Listen in for an on-the-ground report from Minneapolis that shows how artists, organizers, and neighbors are transforming fear into solidarity—and keeping democratic culture alive under pressure.

NOTABLE MENTIONS

People

Bill Cleveland

Host of ART IS CHANGE and founder of the Center for the Study of Art & Community.

Renee Macklin Goode

Minneapolis poet and mother whose life and work are honored in this episode. (Minnesota Public Radio)

Gregory Bovino

U.S. Border Patrol official referenced in discussion of federal enforcement escalation in Minnesota.

Hannah Arendt

Political theorist cited for her insights into authoritarianism, fear, and the erosion of civic imagination.

Christopher Fry

British poet and playwright; excerpt from The Sleep of Prisoners is referenced during the episode.

Marquis Bowie

Minneapolis-based poet, teaching artist, and cultural healer whose reflections on grief, writing, and survival appear in this conversation. (MN Artists / MPR)

Organizations & Groups

Center for the Study of Art & Community

Producing organization for ART IS CHANGE.

Resistance Revival Chorus

National movement using collective singing as protest, courage-building, and democratic practice.

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

Host site for large-scale community singing and resistance gatherings in Minneapolis.

Unidos MN

Latino-led organization providing community safety training, constitutional observers, and mutual aid.

Minnesota Arts & Cultural Coalition

Statewide coalition organizing legal briefings, advocacy, and shared resources for arts organizations.

Forecast Public Art

Minneapolis-based organization providing rapid-response grants and support to artists and cultural leaders.

Minneapolis Arts Commission

City commission supporting and advising on arts policy and cultural resources

Publications

Mad Dog 30/30 by Marquis Bowie

Poetry collection by Minneapolis poet and teaching artist Marquis Bowie, exploring grief, rage, tenderness, survival, and Black interior life. The book is referenced in the episode in connection with Bowie’s role as a cultural healer and witness in moments of community trauma.

The Sleep of Prisoners by Christopher Fry

Verse play referenced through an excerpt read during the episode, reflecting on war, conscience, and moral reckoning.ence, and moral reckoning.

Places & Contextual References

George Floyd Square

Referenced as part of the geographic and emotional landscape shaping current events. (New York Times)

San Pablo Lutheran Church

Site of memorial services and community gathering following Renee Nicole Goode’s death.

Acknowledgements:

From FreeSound.org

Winterstorm II: A Cinematic and ambient soundscape by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/552032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Winterstorm II: A Cinematic and ambient soundscape by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/552032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Chord Swell - Gmin by Moqally -- https://freesound.org/s/843450/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

*******

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>What does it look like when artists and cultural organizers respond to authoritarian pressure—not with silence or fear, but with imagination, strategy, and collective action?


This January 2026 Arts Freedom Weather Report comes from Minneapolis, a city once again at the epicenter of grief, rage, courage, and creative resistance. In the wake of multiple killings, intensified ICE activity, and federal misinformation, communities across Minnesota are responding not only with protest—but with song, ritual, writing, mutual aid, and rapid-response cultural organizing.

In this episode, we explore three urgent realities shaping this moment:

  1. How culture becomes infrastructure for democracy when institutions fail—through singing vigils, collective mourning, and grassroots artistic action.
  2. What decentralized resistance actually looks like on the ground, as hundreds of small, uncoordinated acts add up to something powerful and sustained.
  3. How imagination, grief, and creative practice help people endure and act, especially in communities long accustomed to state violence and surveillance.

Listen in for an on-the-ground report from Minneapolis that shows how artists, organizers, and neighbors are transforming fear into solidarity—and keeping democratic culture alive under pressure.

NOTABLE MENTIONS

People

Bill Cleveland

Host of ART IS CHANGE and founder of the Center for the Study of Art & Community.

Renee Macklin Goode

Minneapolis poet and mother whose life and work are honored in this episode. (Minnesota Public Radio)

Gregory Bovino

U.S. Border Patrol official referenced in discussion of federal enforcement escalation in Minnesota.

Hannah Arendt

Political theorist cited for her insights into authoritarianism, fear, and the erosion of civic imagination.

Christopher Fry

British poet and playwright; excerpt from The Sleep of Prisoners is referenced during the episode.

Marquis Bowie

Minneapolis-based poet, teaching artist, and cultural healer whose reflections on grief, writing, and survival appear in this conversation. (MN Artists / MPR)

Organizations & Groups

Center for the Study of Art & Community

Producing organization for ART IS CHANGE.

Resistance Revival Chorus

National movement using collective singing as protest, courage-building, and democratic practice.

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

Host site for large-scale community singing and resistance gatherings in Minneapolis.

Unidos MN

Latino-led organization providing community safety training, constitutional observers, and mutual aid.

Minnesota Arts & Cultural Coalition

Statewide coalition organizing legal briefings, advocacy, and shared resources for arts organizations.

Forecast Public Art

Minneapolis-based organization providing rapid-response grants and support to artists and cultural leaders.

Minneapolis Arts Commission

City commission supporting and advising on arts policy and cultural resources

Publications

Mad Dog 30/30 by Marquis Bowie

Poetry collection by Minneapolis poet and teaching artist Marquis Bowie, exploring grief, rage, tenderness, survival, and Black interior life. The book is referenced in the episode in connection with Bowie’s role as a cultural healer and witness in moments of community trauma.

The Sleep of Prisoners by Christopher Fry

Verse play referenced through an excerpt read during the episode, reflecting on war, conscience, and moral reckoning.ence, and moral reckoning.

Places & Contextual References

George Floyd Square

Referenced as part of the geographic and emotional landscape shaping current events. (New York Times)

San Pablo Lutheran Church

Site of memorial services and community gathering following Renee Nicole Goode’s death.

Acknowledgements:

From FreeSound.org

Winterstorm II: A Cinematic and ambient soundscape by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/552032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Winterstorm II: A Cinematic and ambient soundscape by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/552032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Chord Swell - Gmin by Moqally -- https://freesound.org/s/843450/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

*******

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>cb26d28f-3d13-4b41-a068-28e450140399Wed, 04 Feb 2026 03:45:00 -070026:16truefull163163168: Arts Freedom Weather Report - The MAGA Squeeze Is Provoking Creative Resistance168: Arts Freedom Weather Report - The MAGA Squeeze Is Provoking Creative ResistanceYou can feel it in the air.

Across museums, national parks, libraries, and cultural institutions, the pressure around what can be said — and what must disappear — is tightening.

But while federal policies attempt to narrow the public cultural space, artists, historians, librarians, educators, and cultural organizers are responding in real time — documenting what’s being erased, refusing complicity, and building new civic infrastructure.

In this report, Bill Cleveland surveys the emerging landscape of creative resistance and cultural restriction across the United States.

From citizen historians documenting museum censorship at the Smithsonian to artists leaving politicized institutions like the Kennedy Center, the story unfolding is not just about politics — it’s about who controls public memory. In this episode you’ll hear

  • How citizen historians are systematically documenting changes to museum exhibits and historical interpretation — turning smartphones and metadata into tools of cultural preservation.
  • About artists and cultural leaders are increasingly walking away from institutions where political interference threatens artistic integrity.k
  • How libraries, classrooms, and community arts programs, cultural workers are developing creative strategies to defend access to history, literacy, and civic dialogue.

Notable Mentions

People

Marc Bamuthi Joseph – Kennedy Center Artist Profile

Former Vice President and Artistic Director of Social Impact at the Kennedy Center whose public remarks following his dismissal highlighted the cultural and political tensions surrounding leadership changes at the institution.

Amy Goodman – Democracy Now!

Journalist and host of the independent news program Democracy Now! which reported on the Kennedy Center controversy and broader cultural policy developments.

Kim Snyder – Filmmaker Website

Documentary filmmaker whose work focuses on civic life, social justice, and democratic culture, including her film examining librarian resistance to book bans.

Rep. Brendan Boyle – U.S. House of Representatives

Congressman representing Pennsylvania who has advocated for restoring historical interpretation about slavery at the President’s House historic site in Philadelphia.

Organizations & Initiatives

Citizen Historians for the Smithsonian – Smithsonian Magazine Coverage

Volunteer effort documenting exhibit labels and interpretive texts across Smithsonian museums to preserve records of historical interpretation.

Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery

Smithsonian museum in Washington, D.C., referenced in the episode in connection with efforts to document removed or revised exhibit texts.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

National cultural institution that has become a focal point for debates about political influence in arts institutions.

National Park Service

Federal agency responsible for interpretive materials at national historic sites where historical narratives have recently been subject to review and dispute.

Reuters – International News Agency

News organization that reported on federal reviews of museum exhibits, park signage, and historical interpretation.

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)

Public television network distributing documentary work addressing civic and cultural issues.

Publications / Media

Democracy Now! – Independent News Program

Daily news program covering political developments affecting arts institutions and cultural policy.

The Librarians – PBS Documentary Film

Documentary film directed by Kim Snyder examining the rise of book bans and the librarians pushing back.

Cultural Events

Young Worker March on Washington – Coverage in The Nation

Youth labor mobilization addressing affordability, housing, healthcare, and worker rights, highlighting the economic pressures shaping the lives of many artists and cultural workers.

Punk in the Park Festival

Touring punk festival whose 2026 events were canceled after bands withdrew in response to controversy surrounding political donations by the festival’s promoter.

Acknowledgements (FreeSound.Org)

thunder1.wav by fastson -- https://freesound.org/s/57778/ -- License: Attribution 3.0

Hello User: Bright Cheery Intro Music by jjmarsan -- https://freesound.org/s/476070/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

photo press Conference.WAV by klankbeeld -- https://freesound.org/s/179209/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Dream-Drifting by audiomirage -- https://freesound.org/s/665193/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Upbeat Punk Rock - bpm 150 loop by DenKyschuk -- https://freesound.org/s/753195/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

Over the Water - Variations 1 by PodcastAC -- https://freesound.org/s/645881/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

*******

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>You can feel it in the air.

Across museums, national parks, libraries, and cultural institutions, the pressure around what can be said — and what must disappear — is tightening.

But while federal policies attempt to narrow the public cultural space, artists, historians, librarians, educators, and cultural organizers are responding in real time — documenting what’s being erased, refusing complicity, and building new civic infrastructure.

In this report, Bill Cleveland surveys the emerging landscape of creative resistance and cultural restriction across the United States.

From citizen historians documenting museum censorship at the Smithsonian to artists leaving politicized institutions like the Kennedy Center, the story unfolding is not just about politics — it’s about who controls public memory. In this episode you’ll hear

  • How citizen historians are systematically documenting changes to museum exhibits and historical interpretation — turning smartphones and metadata into tools of cultural preservation.
  • About artists and cultural leaders are increasingly walking away from institutions where political interference threatens artistic integrity.k
  • How libraries, classrooms, and community arts programs, cultural workers are developing creative strategies to defend access to history, literacy, and civic dialogue.

Notable Mentions

People

Marc Bamuthi Joseph – Kennedy Center Artist Profile

Former Vice President and Artistic Director of Social Impact at the Kennedy Center whose public remarks following his dismissal highlighted the cultural and political tensions surrounding leadership changes at the institution.

Amy Goodman – Democracy Now!

Journalist and host of the independent news program Democracy Now! which reported on the Kennedy Center controversy and broader cultural policy developments.

Kim Snyder – Filmmaker Website

Documentary filmmaker whose work focuses on civic life, social justice, and democratic culture, including her film examining librarian resistance to book bans.

Rep. Brendan Boyle – U.S. House of Representatives

Congressman representing Pennsylvania who has advocated for restoring historical interpretation about slavery at the President’s House historic site in Philadelphia.

Organizations & Initiatives

Citizen Historians for the Smithsonian – Smithsonian Magazine Coverage

Volunteer effort documenting exhibit labels and interpretive texts across Smithsonian museums to preserve records of historical interpretation.

Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery

Smithsonian museum in Washington, D.C., referenced in the episode in connection with efforts to document removed or revised exhibit texts.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

National cultural institution that has become a focal point for debates about political influence in arts institutions.

National Park Service

Federal agency responsible for interpretive materials at national historic sites where historical narratives have recently been subject to review and dispute.

Reuters – International News Agency

News organization that reported on federal reviews of museum exhibits, park signage, and historical interpretation.

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)

Public television network distributing documentary work addressing civic and cultural issues.

Publications / Media

Democracy Now! – Independent News Program

Daily news program covering political developments affecting arts institutions and cultural policy.

The Librarians – PBS Documentary Film

Documentary film directed by Kim Snyder examining the rise of book bans and the librarians pushing back.

Cultural Events

Young Worker March on Washington – Coverage in The Nation

Youth labor mobilization addressing affordability, housing, healthcare, and worker rights, highlighting the economic pressures shaping the lives of many artists and cultural workers.

Punk in the Park Festival

Touring punk festival whose 2026 events were canceled after bands withdrew in response to controversy surrounding political donations by the festival’s promoter.

Acknowledgements (FreeSound.Org)

thunder1.wav by fastson -- https://freesound.org/s/57778/ -- License: Attribution 3.0

Hello User: Bright Cheery Intro Music by jjmarsan -- https://freesound.org/s/476070/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

photo press Conference.WAV by klankbeeld -- https://freesound.org/s/179209/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Dream-Drifting by audiomirage -- https://freesound.org/s/665193/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Upbeat Punk Rock - bpm 150 loop by DenKyschuk -- https://freesound.org/s/753195/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

Over the Water - Variations 1 by PodcastAC -- https://freesound.org/s/645881/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

*******

Art Is CHANGE is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.

]]>0486709a-e826-4cca-8e15-3fbb6799ea3dWed, 11 Mar 2026 04:45:00 -070024:55truefull168168