ART IS CHANGE: Strategies & Skills for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers

DEMOCRACY is a practice that we haven't been practicing. The gap between the story we've been telling ourselves about our participatory democracy and our actual experience leaves us unprepared for the Resistance and Reclamation project that we're about to undertake. To get better at Democracy, we need to treat it as a creative practice!

This is the first of two episodes that explore the intricate relationship between art and democracy. This episode delves into the idea that democracy is not merely a system of voting, but a dynamic practice that requires active participation and creativity from its citizens.

In his conversation with past guests, Bill Cleveland posits that our understanding of democracy is flawed, as too many citizens view it solely as a transactional process rather than a communal endeavor.

Through insights gathered from creative change agents who have engaged deeply with the intersections of art and democratic practices, the episode illustrates how creative expression can act as a catalyst for civic engagement. The narrative reveals a pressing concern about the current state of American democracy, where apathy and division threaten the very fabric of communal life.

Cleveland advocates for a renewed commitment to practicing democracy as a form of art, where citizens actively contribute to shaping their society, thereby enriching not only their own lives but also the collective experience of democracy itself.

• Democracy is a practice that requires active participation, not just voting in elections.
• The fragility of American democracy stems from a lack of understanding of its true nature.
• Creative practices in democracy can help bridge divides and foster community engagement.
• Sharing personal stories can play a crucial role in understanding and practicing democracy.
• The connection between art and democracy emphasizes the importance of collective storytelling.
• Democracy thrives when citizens engage in meaningful dialogues and collaborative efforts together.

• 00:11 - A New Direction in Storytelling
• 00:41 - Democracy as a Creative Practice
• 09:33 - The Role of Stories in Democracy
• 16:18 - The Legacy of Lydia Hamilton Smith
• 22:30 - Animating Democracy: The Role of Arts in Community Engagement
• 25:47 - The Power of Creative Engagement in Social Issues
• 32:29 - The Role of Arts in Cultural Democracy
• 37:08 - The Role of the Culture Bearer
• 46:31 - The Connection Between Civic Engagement and Creative Practice
• 47:52 - The Impact of Citizenship Schools on Democracy

Individuals:

1. Bill Cleveland – Center for the Study of Art and Community
2. Leni Sloan – Leni Sloan bio
3. Pam Korza – Animating Democracy
4. Barbara Schaefer Bacon – Animating Democracy
5. Harry Boyte – Humphrey Institute
6. Carlton Turner – Mississippi Center for Cultural Production
7. Lori Poirier – First Peoples Fund
8. Murray Strom – Public Work Academy
9. Moises Kaufman – Tectonic Theater Project
10. Eve Ensler – The Vagina Monologues
11. Rosie Perez – Rosie Perez Bio
12. Bernice Robinson – Literacy Project Documentary

Organizations:

1. Animating Democracy – Animating Democracy
2. Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) – SCLC Official Site
3. Mississippi Center for Cultural Production – Mississippi Center for Cultural Production
4. First Peoples Fund – First Peoples Fund
5. Public Achievement – Public Achievement
6. Tectonic Theater Project – Tectonic Theater Project
7. AIDS Memorial Quilt – AIDS Memorial Quilt
8. V-Day – V-Day Official
9. The Laramie Project – Tectonic Theater Project - The Laramie Project
10. University of Massachusetts Arts Extension Service – UMass Arts Extension Service

Events:

1. 2024 U.S. Elections – 2024 Elections Overview
2. The AIDS Memorial Quilt Display on the National Mall – AIDS Memorial Quilt
3. Vagina Monologues Performances – V-Day
4. Culture Shift Conference – Culture Shift Conference
5. The Citizenship Schools of the Civil Rights Movement – Highlander Research and Education Center
6. Work Progress Administration (WPA) – WPA History

Documents/Legislation:

1. 13th Amendment – 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
2. 14th Amendment – 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
3. 15th Amendment – 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
4. 19th Amendment – 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Explore creative community transformation with teaching artist Jeff Mather as he shares stories of art, collaboration, and social change in education.

Jeff Mather's work as a teaching artist and public art digital storytelling alchemist underscores the vital role of art in fostering community resilience and engagement. The conversation with Bill Cleveland reveals how, despite the challenges posed by recent global events, Mather remains optimistic about the transformative potential of creative collaborations. By reflecting on his experiences in various educational and community settings, he illustrates how art can bridge divides, empower youth, and reinvigorate spaces that have been overlooked or abandoned. His dedication to involving students in the artistic process not only cultivates their creativity but also instills a sense of agency and responsibility for their environment.

The episode captures the essence of Mather's philosophy: art is not merely an aesthetic endeavor but a powerful tool for social change. Mather recounts the impactful project in West Baltimore, where he worked with local youth to design and install an environmental sculpture in a park that had long been neglected. This initiative not only beautified the area but also engaged the community in a dialogue about safety, ownership, and the importance of reclaiming shared spaces. Mather's insights into the dynamics of teaching and collaboration highlight the necessity of recognizing and valuing each participant's unique contributions, which ultimately enriches the artistic outcome.

Furthermore, the discussion delves into the challenges and rewards of community-based art practices, particularly in relation to trust-building and navigating complex social landscapes. Mather emphasizes the importance of entering communities with humility and a willingness to learn, rather than imposing external solutions. His experiences with Alternate Roots showcase the power of grassroots movements in advocating for social and economic justice through art. As the episode unfolds, it becomes evident that Mather's work embodies a vision of art as a communal endeavor—one that celebrates diversity, fosters connection, and cultivates a shared sense of purpose in navigating the challenges of our times.

00:18 The Turning Point: Reflections on Change and Future Challenges

00:35 Reflections on Creative Change Agents

13:59 Alternate ROOTS and Community Engagement

22:55 The Impact of Community Engagement in Public Art

31:14 Engaging with Community Through Art

40:03 The Impact of Art and Community

Jeff is a community-based public artist and teaching artist in Georgia, (and South Carolina and Massachusetts and Utah), for over 30 years. He is the STEAM artist-in-residence at Drew Charter School 45 days each semester/90 days each year and has presented on his partnership work there at national and international conferences. He was a delegate and presenter at the 1st International Teaching Artist Conference in Olso in 2012 and at the ITAC3 in Edinburgh and at ITAC6 in Oslo. He is an ITAC Innovator, leading Think Tank webinars. He has been on the Georgia Council for the Arts registry of visiting artists since 1992. He has a BA degree in Proxemics from Hobart College. He served as president of the Atlanta Partnership for Arts in Learning, an arts infusion non-profit that he helped to co-found in 2001. He toured a program for nine years with a choreographer - and also a storytelling program with a master storyteller. Jeff has facilitated Learning Exchanges for teaching artists for Alternate ROOTS and for the Community Built Association. Jeff is also the lead artist for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Access Program in northern Utah and runs interdisciplinary residencies there twice a year. He directed several experimental theater productions at the Center for Puppetry Arts and served as artist-in-residence for the Atlanta Symphony and the High Museum. He is best known for coaching large scale environmental sculpture projects. As a STEAM Artist-in-Residence he’s co-taught robotics, geometry, math, science, engineering, music, dance, and digital media.

Individuals

1. Bill Cleveland – Host of the podcast episode.
2. Jeff Mather – Teaching artist and public artist, guest of the episode.
3. Eric Booth – Mentioned by Jeff as an influence in teaching artistry. (See CSCW EP 67)
4. Ed Mack – Sculpture teacher at Jeff's high school in Wilton, Connecticut.
5. Anne and Patrick Poirier – French conceptual artists Jeff worked with in New York City.
6. Alice Lovelace – Key figure in Alternate ROOTS and seminal figure in the US community arts movement. (See CS/CW Episode 76)
7. Bob Leonard – Key figure in Alternate ROOTS. (See CS/CW Episode 22)
8. Normando Ismay  Key figure in Alternate ROOTS.  (See CS/CW Episode 89)
9. Elise Witt – Key figure in Alternate ROOTS.  (See CS/CW Episode 46)
10. Liz Lerman – Key figure in Alternate ROOTS.  (See CS/CW Episode 63)
11. Ashley Milburn – From Culture Works in West Baltimore.
12. Denise Johnson – From Culture Works in West Baltimore.
13. Kenny Clemens – Young artist mentored by Jeff in Baltimore.
14. Carlton Turner – Former Executive director of Alternate ROOTS worked with Jeff Mather with the Hidden Stream project.
15. Lily Yeh – Artist known for her work in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood.
16. Tom Dunn – Former public defender and teacher who partnered with Jeff on a digital storytelling project.
17. Joe Lambert –Is the founder of the Story Center. He and his colleagues have trained thousands of story makers and teaching artists in digital storytelling.
18. Paula Lark (Mama Paula) – Drummer, bass player, and storyteller who worked with Jeff on a classroom project.
19. Marquetta Johnson – Textile artist and frequent collaborator with Jeff in Utah.
20. Renee Fleming – Singer and author of Music and Mind.

Organizations

1. Center for the Study of Art and Community – Producer of the podcast "Change the Story, Change the World."
2. Alternate ROOTS – A cultural organization based in the Southern USA focused on social and economic justice.
3. Drew Charter School – A public school in Atlanta with a maker school model where Jeff worked.
4. Georgia Council for the Arts – Supported Jeff’s teaching artist residency.
5. NAEA (National Art Education Association) – Organization where Jeff presented.
6. Culture Works – Organization in West Baltimore, led by Ashley Milburn and Denise Johnson.
7. Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) – Known for its community arts program.
8. International Teaching Artist Collaborative (ITAC) – Provided a grant to Jeff for a project on Tybee Island.
9. High Museum in Atlanta – Produced a documentary on Marquetta Johnson.

Events and Projects

1. Hidden Stream Park – A public art project led by Jeff in West Baltimore.
2. ROOTS Fest in West Baltimore (2011) – Cultural festival by Alternate ROOTS celebrating local culture and activism.
3. Something to Behold in West Baltimore – Online collection documenting the West Baltimore community development story.
4. Digital Storytelling Partnership – Jeff’s digital storytelling project with the South Atlanta School of Law and Social Justice.
5. Climate Crisis Project on Tybee Island – A STEAM project Jeff is developing, including a floating sculpture and data visualization.
6. Skin and Bones Project – A co-residency with Marquetta Johnson involving textiles and structural art in Utah.
7. Art for Social Justice Program – Program developed with Tom Dunn, involving five artist residencies in social justice.

Rebecca Rice, a pioneering community artist, transformed her personal experiences into a powerful advocacy for marginalized voices through art. Her journey began in a challenging neighborhood in Chicago, where she discovered her passion for performance and community engagement. This podcast explores her belief that every individual, regardless of their visibility, contributes to the intricate tapestry of human existence. Throughout her career, Rice emphasized the importance of creative collaboration, using theater as a means to address social issues such as domestic violence and racial justice. As she reflects on her work, listeners are invited to consider the profound impact of art in fostering understanding and change within communities.

Rebecca Rice's profound journey as a community artist is explored through her reflections on art's power to transform lives, especially within marginalized communities. She perceives herself as an 'artist communicator,' emphasizing the importance of every individual’s story in shaping the broader human experience. Through her work, she has sought to give voice to those often overlooked—prisoners, youth, and the disabled—highlighting the reciprocal nature of her partnerships where the shared experiences of both artist and collaborators create a deeper understanding and artistic expression. Bill Cleveland, the host, reminisces about his mentorship under Rebecca, illustrating how her teachings transcend mere technical skill to delve into the moral and ethical dimensions of artistry. This rich dialogue not only honors Rebecca's legacy but also underscores the relevance of her insights on community arts and racial justice in today's societal landscape.

The episode also delves into Rebecca's early influences and formative experiences that shaped her artistic philosophy. Growing up in a challenging environment on Chicago's West Side, she was introduced to community arts through Johnny Houston's program, which instilled in her a sense of capability and belonging. This program acted as a catalyst for her development as an artist, fostering her talent while teaching her the importance of dedication, hard work, and the value of creative expression irrespective of societal limitations. As Rebecca transitioned into the realm of political street theater and later into her tenure at Living Stage Theater, she began to intertwine her artistic endeavors with social activism, using theater as a vehicle for change and a platform for the stories of the oppressed. This evolution highlights the dynamic interplay between art and activism, showcasing how Rebecca's work was not just about performance but about empowering individuals and communities through creativity.

Moreover, the discussion touches on the concept of 'creative trust' and how it serves as a foundation for successful artistic collaboration, especially within vulnerable populations. Rebecca articulates the necessity of creating a safe space where individuals can explore their creativity without the fear of judgment. This sanctuary-like environment allows participants to confront their internalized negativity and engage with their artistic voices authentically. The conversation also critiques the superficiality of multiculturalism in arts funding, advocating for deeper, more genuine engagement with communities rather than tokenistic approaches. Rebecca's insights push for a re-examination of the roles artists play within their communities, advocating for a shift in focus from individual acclaim to collective empowerment, ultimately striving to make art a fundamental and essential aspect of societal healing and growth.

Takeaways:

• Rebecca Rice emphasized the importance of every individual's contribution to the fabric of human existence, not just the prominent figures.
• Art can serve as a transformative tool for personal empowerment and societal change, particularly in marginalized communities.
• The Living Stage Theater Company focused on improvisational techniques to engage diverse audiences, including prisoners and youth.
• Rebecca Rice's work with community arts highlighted the need for art to be inclusive and accessible to all individuals.
• The collaboration between artists and community members can lead to profound insights and creative breakthroughs.
• Rebecca Rice's approach to teaching stressed the importance of building trust and understanding the unique experiences of each participant.

Given the differences in power, and definitions of success, how can arts and change collaborations between institutions of higher learning and their local communities be equitable and accountable? And how can change oriented artists practice effectively and ethically with a foot in each camp? Billy Yalowitz has had a career as a theater director and choreographer that I think provides provocative answers to both questions and more.

This podcast features a rich conversation between Bill Cleveland and Billy Yalowitz, focusing on the intersection of community arts and social justice. At the heart of their discussion is the importance of facilitating equitable collaborations between artists and their communities, particularly in the context of higher education. Yalowitz shares insights from his diverse career as a theater director and choreographer, emphasizing the necessity of understanding one's own heritage and community narratives before engaging with others. The dialogue also explores the significance of storytelling as a means of empowerment and healing, particularly in marginalized communities. Ultimately, the episode highlights the transformative power of art in bridging divides and fostering mutual understanding across different cultural backgrounds.

A key highlight of the episode is the Black Bottom Performance Project, where Yalowitz worked to amplify the voices of a community displaced by urban renewal. This project not only sought to reclaim lost stories but also fostered a sense of belonging among participants. Yalowitz emphasizes the importance of creating spaces for collective memory and narrative sharing, illustrating how art can bridge divides and facilitate healing. The project serves as a testament to the potential of community arts to address historical injustices and promote social cohesion, prompting listeners to consider the power of storytelling in their own lives.

As the episode progresses, the discussion evolves into pressing contemporary issues, particularly climate justice and the disconnection from land that many communities experience. Yalowitz shares his ongoing work in the Hudson Valley, where he seeks to reconnect with his cultural roots while collaborating with indigenous peoples. This aspect of the conversation underscores the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental stewardship.

Key Moments

03:47 The Keys to the Kingdom: Billy's Building Project

05:29 Exploring Identity and Community

08:48 Golden's Bridge: A Cultural Sanctuary

15:22 The Tradition of Community Arts

21:40 The Legacy of Folk and Modern Dance

26:05 The Black Bottom Performance Project

27:23 Community Stories and Reparations

32:15 Migrations and Hyphenations: An Israeli/Palestinian Sago

36:25 The Birth Narrative and Twin, Twin Transfusion Syndrome

41:54 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Rehearsal

47:06 Land Amnesia and Climate Justice

51:40 Reflections and Inspirations

Billy Yalowitz is a writer, director and community arts practitioner whose writings and interdisciplinary performance works draw from public history and chronicle grassroots movements for self-determination.

Yalowitz’s interdisciplinary performance works have been presented off-Broadway and internationally. He has directed critically acclaimed and nationally profiled community-based performance-installations in Philadelphia neighborhoods since 1991. Yalowitz has been named “Best Unclassifiable Theater Artist” by Philadelphia’s City Paper, Best Choreographer by the Philadelphia Inquirer, and was nominated for a Barrymore Award for his work at People’s Light & Theater Company.  He was commissioned by the Philadelphia Museum of Art to create a performance-festival, The Fathering Circle.

Yalowitz’s work has been featured in the New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/31/theater/newsandfeatures/31acto.html?_r=1,

Jerusalem Post http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=9291, San Francisco Chronicle, Philadelphia Inquirer, on National Public Radio, and profiled in Letting Go - Arts & Public History (Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, 2011), Brother Keepers: New Perspectives On Jewish Masculinity (Men’s Studies Press, 2010), White Men Challenging Racism (Duke Univ. Press, 2003) , and Body and Bible (Trinity, 1992). He has been awarded grants from the Nathan Cummings Foundation, James L. Knight Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation and Woodrow Wilson Foundation, among others. 

Yalowitz is an Associate Professor, and founder and co-director of the Community Arts Practices program at Tyler School of Art & Architecture , Temple University.

• University of California, Monterey Bay
• El Teatro Campesino
•  Golden’s Bridge Community
• Migrations and Hyphenations - Peace Child Israel
• East Towards Home - American Roots Music Foundation
• Amalia Mesa-Bains
• Luis Valdez
• Earl Monroe
• Woody Guthrie
• Martha Graham
• Pete Seeger
• Sophie Maslow
• Paul Robeson
• Jacob Lawrence
• Susan Robeson
• Works Progress Administration (WPA)
• Howard Theatre
• Black Bottom (neighborhood in Philadelphia)
• Popular Front

How do you describe a Laurie Meadoff? Start off with a big heart, add a piercing intellect, an insatiable curiosity, and a gargantuan exploding fireworks extravaganza of an imagination. Then add that she's a can't-sit-still, serial do-gooder problem solver who translates the word "NO" in any language, as the starting gun for the next story in the million chapter book she's been living, entitled There's no Such Thing as an Impossible Dream!

In this episode of 'Change the Story, Change the World,' host Bill Cleveland introduces Laurie Meadoff, a transformative entrepreneurial force in community arts, youth development, and social change. Laurie reflects on her life's work, including founding the internationally recognized CityKids Foundation, producing Emmy-nominated series, and engaging in art-based change initiatives across the globe. The conversation explores her unique approach to social justice, cultural democracy, and health equity through creative endeavors. Meadoff shares stories of impactful moments, like connecting youth worldwide and encouraging new generations to channel their creativity for activism, ultimately underlining the importance of listening, community empowerment, and sustained social impact.

00:00 Meet Laurie Meadoff: A Force of Nature

03:59 Laurie's Journey and Impact

06:16 Community Empowerment and Creativity

08:42 The Power of Listening and Adaptability

09:55 Art and Social Justice

11:00 Personal Reflections and Global Impact

18:25 Lean on Me: A Musical Interlude

22:05 Chat the Planet: Bridging Global Youth

28:53 Keith Haring's Legacy and City Kids

30:11 Artivism in Chicago

31:44 Take Back the Mic Africa

35:16 The Role of Artists in Society

39:06 Innovations in Health and Artivism

41:02 The Power of Observation and Witness

42:15 What You Going to Do About Hate?

48:52 Reflections and Future Aspirations

51:41 Closing Remarks and Resources

Laurie Meadoff is a leader, an innovator, and a change maker. Through artistic and expert use of her wide array of talents, Laurie has been able to make monumental strides toward a more tolerant and compassionate world through her media and community engagement strategies. Internationally acclaimed for her more than forty-five years of work and accomplishments, Laurie Inc. & Team's current clients list include:

Take Back The Media /Amp.it, a digital media platform that helps content owners know ‘Who's Watching and Why’. Creator of double Emmy nominated "Take Back the Mic: Africa”. We are now building a state of the art film and television studio in Africa.

Geoversity, Nature’s University in Panama, focusing on biocultural and indigenous leadership and environmental action.

The UN Global Mental Health Task Force, alongside The CityKids Foundation, Deepak Chopra’s Chopra Foundation and Social Architects. We are committed to a world where mental health is universally recognized as a fundamental human right.

Bodimetrics - the newest technology, addressing healthcare inequities by offering continuous blood oxygen and pressure with FDA-cleared medical devices.

Rozana Health Diplomacy, an international organization promoting access to quality healthcare in Palestine and Israel, through joint initiatives between communities in conflict. 

Laurie is committed to moving disruptive groundbreaking companies forward while networking with her social impact investors.  

Laurie has always had her pulse on youth culture. Laurie launched Authentik Inc. with partners Tony Krantz, Derrick Ashong and Siobhan Kavanagh. Authentik Inc is an innovation firm based out of NY and LA. Authentik Inc helps top brands stay culturally and socially relevant for the next generation. The team of world-class producers, change agents and millennials work with businesses to revolutionize meaning, message and impact.  

Authentik Inc has worked with various prominent C-suite clients including Sea World and Pepsi leading the direction for complete brand transformations. Laurie leads business development along with her group of global Authentikators. Most recently Laurie was a Co- Executive Producer for Earth’s Call at the Aspen Institute and Our Planet Our Future, a global call to action to people of all ages, faiths and cultures worldwide, to move the world together on climate change. 

Laurie was Executive Producer and content developer and producer of a 13 part PBS series called Feel Grand with Jane Seymour focusing on health and well-being. She also produced a web series with Deepak Chopra called Timeless You.

Additionally, Laurie was nominated for an Emmy in 2016 as an Executive Producer for The World Cup of Hip Hop, a groundbreaking online global music competition which was nominated in the ‘Original Interactive Programming’ category. 

Laurie served as CEO of Cancer Schmancer, a groundbreaking women’s Health Advocacy organization founded by actress Fran Drescher. Laurie’s innovative work on behalf of women included the creation of Trash Cancer home parties produced by Humana focused on prevention, which reached over 28,000 people. Laurie also worked with her team to create Fran Vans, which screened women in need in both NYC and LA. 

Laurie consulted for The Goldie Hawn Foundation with strategic planning for the launch of their social emotional learning program, MindUP. There, Laurie assembled the organization’s board, designed the marketing strategy, and co-produced a major fundraiser in New York City that resulted in palpable success for the Foundation. ​

As CEO of Chat Ventures, she executive produced programming for Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, ABC, HBO Family, MTV and VH1 and a host of international broadcasters. In addition to overseeing creative and strategic vision for the company, Laurie then formulated Chat the Planet, a global dialogue initiative committed to using media and online dialogue tools as a means of breaking down barriers reaching 350 million homes worldwide. As a part of this endeavor, Laurie co-created and executive produced the Webby award-winning series Hometown Baghdad, which reached three million web viewers in the first week and aired on The Sundance Channel and National Geographic International in long form. With experience filming in South Africa, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Australia, and Jordan, Laurie’s ability to imaginatively and insightfully capture a diverse range of subjects is exemplified. Laurie has spoken globally and was a part of Cultural Diplomacy panels’ for the Brookings Institute in Doha for three years along with speaking in engagements in Hong Kong and India.

Consulting for the Dalai Lama’s Connection for Change event, Laurie developed and produced Dinner Dialogues as a grass roots engagement tool for people to host salons targeted on the theme of wellness. She also helped produce major events for Deepak Chopra’s Alliance for the New Humanity for several years bringing the world’s top leaders together for shared dialogue. ​

Laurie is the Founder and President Emeritus of The CityKids Foundation. Founded in 1985, The CityKids Foundation has worked to engage and motivate young people from diverse demographics to positively impact their lives, their communities and the world using their voices. Success came naturally to Laurie in her role here, as she organized and executed annual fundraising events with sponsorship from mammoth corporations including Pepsi, MasterCard, and Burger King and the presence of well-known personalities such as Demi Moore, Michael Bolton, Robert De Niro, Herbie Hancock, and Keith Haring to enhance publicity. As a byproduct of the foundation’s achievements, which included a nationally touring repertory of the members, Laurie co-created and executive produced with the Jim Henson Company, the Emmy-Nominated series featured on ABC, CityKids. As a result of Laurie’s vision, drive, and excellence in communication, her community and youth outreach initiatives through media and performance have endured and the relationships cultivated persist today. ​

Laurie’s many awards and other distinctions include: ​

Emmy Nomination for ‘The World Cup of Hip Hop’, 2016 

2 Emmy nominations for ABC series, “CityKids” 

Board of Governors, We are Family Foundation 2016 

Dr. Joyce Yerwood “Lifetime-Maker” Award, 2012 

Richard Manware Humanitarian Award, 2008 

3 Webbys for Hometown Baghdad, 2008 

Brookings Institute Cultural Diplomacy 2007, 2008 

1 Gold Promax, History in the Making, 2004 

2 Silver Promax, History in the Making, 2004 

Aegis Award of Excellence, Bridge to Baghdad II, 2003

Rockefeller Fellowship: Next Generation Leadership - Year long fellowship studying issues of globalization, racism, media, immigration and democracy, 1998.

Guest commentator on NPR, CNN, The Oprah Show, LA Times, NY Times, BBC, Today Show, Good Morning America, Video Podcasts, Deepak Chopra, Sirius Radio, and a host of international broadcast programming. 

Laurie received her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Art History and her Masters in Educational Theater from New York University. 

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• MTV
• VH1
• ABC
• Sundance Channel
• National Geographic
• Brookings Institute
• Laurie, Inc.
• Team Authentic, Inc.
• Cancer Schmanzer, Inc.
• Earth's Call
• Next Entertainment
• The Start Fund
• City Kids

Dr. Banerji: In this episode of 'Change the Story, Change the World,' Bill Cleveland explores the inspiring journey of Dr. Subhasis Banerji, a bioengineer from Singapore. Dr. Banerji shares how he utilized the interplay between art, science, and the human mind to help brain-injured and stroke patients recover.

After suffering severe injuries himself, Dr. Banerji’s personal tale of recovery through a combination of physical therapy, yoga, and martial arts led him to develop SynPhne—a groundbreaking therapeutic device integrating real-time brain and muscle feedback for accelerated healing. The discussion also parallels the transformative power of creative practices in prison arts programs, highlighting the human capacity for self-recovery and growth. This episode sheds light on the significant overlap between artistic creativity and medical innovation, offering profound insights into the potential of the mind-body connection.

00:00 Introduction to Change the Story, Change the World

00:46 Meeting Dr. Banerji

02:36 From Ignorance to Wisdom

04:54 The Journey of Self-Healing

08:31 Creating Synphne

11:02 A Moment to Remember

19:30 Common Ground

24:51 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

Dr. Subhasis Banerji: Founder, Inventor Director of SynPhNe. Subhasis has over 20 years of experience in developing cutting-edge technology, 5 years of practicing therapy and

10 years in clinical research. His diverse background led him to invent and commercialize the world's first fully wearable and connected brain plasticity training tool that trains Brain and Body as parts of ONE system. SynPhNe™ is the outcome of his PhD (Biomechatronics) study. He is involved in research in biomechanics, neuroplasticity, movement analysis, learning mechanisms and ageing. He has been a yoga and martial arts practitioner for the past 25 years.

Thanks to Dr. Banerji for sharing his story and for the whole Synphne team for their incredible work.

Crowd walla whole foods grocery store food court 1.wav by lwdickens -- https://freesound.org/s/269412/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

prison soundscape stylised.wav by 7by7 -- https://freesound.org/s/72851/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

This is the second episode of a two part show we are rebroadcasting called BIGhART, BIGsTORY which tell the saga of a creative synergistic Australian force of nature called, of course BIGhART. 

BIGhART is Australia's leading arts and social change organization.

We make art, we build communities, we drive change.

30 years in operation, 62 communities engaged, 47 awards won, 550 artists contributed, 9, 500 people participated, 2. 6 million audience members.

Scott Rankin co-founded Big hART with friend John Bakes in 1992. As CEO and Creative Director, Scott leads the overarching vision for all Big hART projects – from pilot through to legacy. A leader and teacher in the field of social and cultural innovation, Scott provides daily mentorship and knowledge transfer to all Big hART staff so that they can in turn lead our projects with confidence.

An award winning writer and director in his own right, Scott’s works have been included many times in major arts festivals. His reputation is built on a quarter of a century of work, creating, funding and directing large-scale projects in diverse communities with high needs, in isolated settings.

Big hART is Scott’s passionate contribution to the arts and society.

BIGhART:

Ngapartji Ngapartji: Big hART designed the Ngapartji Ngapartji project to raise awareness of Indigenous language loss, and the lack of an national Indigenous languages policy.

Tasmania is an island state of Australia.[15] It is located 240 kilometres (150 miles) to the south of the Australian mainland, separated from it by the Bass Strait, with the archipelago containing the southernmost point of the country.

Vaslav Nijinsky was a Russian[4] ballet dancer and choreographer of Polish ancestry.[5] He is regarded as the greatest male dancer of the early 20th century.[3] 

Albert Namatjira:  28 July 1902 – 8 August 1959) was an Arrernte painter from the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia, widely considered one of the most notable Australian artists.

Namatjira Project: Namatjira Project began as a collaboration with members of the Namatjira family and the Hermannsburg community in Central Australia in 2009.The long-term project has centered around an award-winning theatre performance, Namatjira, seen by 50,000 people, telling the story of Albert Namatjira, with his family on stage.

Skate of Mind is a grassroots, national touring collective of skaters, filmmakers, photographers, and artists. We run community engagement events, workshops, music, art, digital art, projection, and soundscape design in regional communities.

SKATE is a groundbreaking new work in development fusing the art of skateboarding with percussion and projection. A breathtaking sensory experience for all the family, SKATE sees a cast of talented male and female skateboarders perform jaw-dropping feats and create infectious rhythms with their skateboards.

Element Skateboards

Winnie the Pooh: Winnie-the-Pooh (also known as Edward Bear, Pooh Bear or simply Pooh) is a fictional anthropomorphic teddy bear created by English author A. A. Milne and English illustrator E. H. Shepard. 

Ngangkari (a traditional aboriginal healer)

The Acoustic Life of Sheds: Acoustic Life of Sheds invites leading composers, musicians and artists to celebrate these architectural embodiments of rural, industrial or maritime culture as memory sound- shells by reimagining them for audiences in the landscape or on the foreshore.

Project O: Project O is a prevention initiative driving change for young women in rural, regional and high needs communities.

Music

Studio (Ernabella School Hall) recording of music from the stage show 'Ngapartji Ngapartji'. 1 Ngayunya Wantiriyalku I Shall Be Released

Performed by Makinti Minutjukur, Unurupa Kulyuru, Rhoda Tjitayi, Renita Stanley, Andrew MacGregor, Sara Luither, Beth Sometimes, Steve Fraser. Written by Bob Dylan - Translated by Lorna Wilson, Tom Holder, Dora (Amanyi) Haggie, Rhoda Tjitayi, Unurupa Kulyuru, Beth Sometimes. Recorded by Steve Fraser.

Dream-Shifting - by Steven F Allen

https://freesound.org/people/audiomirage/

https://soundclick.com/AuDioChosisStevenFAllenAuDioMiRage

When I describe BIGhART to folks in the US they accuse me of making it up. In this episode re-broadcast Scott Rankin, BIGhART’s founder, describes how this expansive, constantly morphing, multi-disciplinary, thirty-year long enterprise became one of the world's leading arts and social change organizations.

This is first of two episodes featuring Scott. You can listen to Chapter 2 HERE

Scott co-founded Big hART with friend John Bakes in 1992. As CEO and Creative Director, Scott leads the overarching vision for all Big hART projects – from pilot through to legacy. A leader and teacher in the field of social and cultural innovation, Scott provides daily mentorship and knowledge transfer to all Big hART staff so that they can in turn lead our projects with confidence.

An award winning writer and director in his own right, Scott’s works have been included many times in major arts festivals. His reputation is built on a quarter of a century of work, creating, funding and directing large-scale projects in diverse communities with high needs, in isolated settings.

Big hART is Scott’s passionate contribution to the arts and society.

BIGhART: Authentic, high-quality art made with communities.

Big hART brings virtuosic artists into communities to collaborate and create authentic stories which illuminate local injustice. We present these stories to mainstream audiences to help raise awareness. This builds public support for change and helps to protect vulnerable people.

Everyone, everywhere has the right to thrive.

Big hART works with communities experiencing high levels of need. Rather than focusing on the problem, our unique non-welfare projects build on community assets, strengthening vulnerable individuals, and creating long term attitudinal shifts. Our hope is for all communities to flourish.

Positive, generational change begins as a cultural shift.

Big hART designs and delivers transformative projects to address complex social issues. Our cultural approaches are evaluated and acknowledged as best practice. Decision makers seeking better solutions can use our award winning projects to help develop new and better policy. We aim to drive generational change.

Ngapartji Ngapartji: Big hART designed the Ngapartji Ngapartji project to raise awareness of Indigenous language loss, and the lack of an national Indigenous languages policy. In order to create visibility around these issues, we launched a language and culture teaching portal, offered audiences the chance to learn Pitjantjatjara through a small teaching show, created short teaching films, as well as music and CDs with a Pitjantjatjara choir. We made a high profile documentary, and finally, a large award winning touring show for national festivals. By creating this range of art products, we attracted exceptional media and gained high level political interest in the issue. This assisted in driving a new Indigenous language policy and increased funding to help prevent language loss.

Trevor Jamieson is a veteran of stage and screen with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, and a long time creative partner with BIGhART.   He is known as an Actor, Dancer, Musician and Storyteller and his portrait, taken by Brett Canet-Gibson, took out the People’s Choice award for the 2017 National Portrait gallery exhibition in Canberra.

Trevor is not only an accomplished actor but is also known for his ability on the guitar and didgeridoo. Trevor has also received acclaim for his dance performances across the globe.Trevor was announced as a Permanent Ambassador for the Revelation Perth International Film Festival in 2017.Some of Trevor’s screen work includes Storm Boy; Thalu: Dreamtime is Now; Boys in the Trees. His stage credits include the Australian tour of The Season; the Sydney Theatre Company’s The Secret River; and the performance of Namatjira at Southbank, London in front of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

 Art and Upheaval:  Artists on the World's Frontlines - Citizen artists successfully rebuild the social infrastructure in six communities devastated by war, repression and dislocation. Author William Cleveland tells remarkable stories from Northern Ireland, Cambodia, South Africa, United States (Watts, Los Angeles), aboriginal Australia, and Serbia, about artists who resolve conflict, heal unspeakable trauma, give voice to the forgotten and disappeared, and restitch the cultural fabric of their communities.

Pitjantjatjara: The Pitjantjatjara (/ˌpɪtʃəntʃəˈtʃɑːrə/;[1] Pitjantjatjara: [ˈpɪɟanɟaɟaɾa] or [ˈpɪɟanɟaɾa]) are an Aboriginal people of the Central Australian desert near Uluru. They are closely related to the Yankunytjatjara and Ngaanyatjarra and their languages are, to a large extent, mutually intelligible (all are varieties of the Western Desert language).

They refer to themselves as aṉangu (people). The Pitjantjatjara live mostly in the northwest of South Australia, extending across the border into the Northern Territory to just south of Lake Amadeus, and west a short distance into Western Australia. The land is an inseparable and important part of their identity, and every part of it is rich with stories and meaning to aṉangu.[2]

They have, for the most part, given up their nomadic hunting and gathering lifestyle but have retained their language and much of their culture in synergy with increasing influences from the broader Australian community.

Today there are still about 4,000 aṉangu living scattered in small communities and outstations across their traditional lands, forming one of the most successful joint land arrangements in Australia with Aboriginal traditional owners.

Melbourne International Arts Festival: Melbourne International Arts Festival, formerly Spoleto Festival Melbourne – Festival of the Three Worlds, then Melbourne International Festival of the Arts, becoming commonly known as Melbourne Festival, was a major international arts festival held in Melbourne, Australia, from 1986 to 2019. It was to be superseded by a new festival called Rising from 2020 (which was subsequently derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia).

Spinifex Country: The Pila Nguru, often referred to in English as the Spinifex people, are an Aboriginal Australian people of Western Australia, whose lands extend to the border with South Australia and to the north of the Nullarbor Plain.[1][2] The centre of their homeland is in the Great Victoria Desert, at Tjuntjunjarra, some 700 kilometres (430 mi) east of Kalgoorlie,[3] perhaps the remotest community in Australia.[4] Their country is sometimes referred to as Spinifex country.[5] The Pila Nguru were the last Australian people to have dropped the complete trappings of their traditional lifestyle.[6]

Alex Kelly: Alex Kelly is an Australian freelance artist, filmmaker and producer based in regional Australia. Kelly was born in regional NSW and grew up in a farming community near Wodonga in regional Victoria,[1]

Kelly has worked with diverse communities in Australia and around the world including Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, Amsterdam, Barcelona and the UK organising and lobbying for social change. She has been involved in community development, the arts, media (communication), environmental protection and social justice projects.

Palawa people of Tasmania: The Aboriginal Tasmanians (Palawa kani: Palawa or Pakana[4]) are[5] the Aboriginal people of the Australian island of Tasmania, located south of the mainland. For much of the 20th century, the Tasmanian Aboriginal people were widely, and erroneously, thought of as being an extinct cultural and ethnic group that had been intentionally exterminated by white settlers.[6] Contemporary figures (2016) for the number of people of Tasmanian Aboriginal descent vary according to the criteria used to determine this identity, ranging from 6,000 to over 23,000.[1][2]             

Edward Said: (1 November 1935 – 24 September 2003) was a Palestinian American academic, literary critic and political activist.[1] A professor of literature at Columbia University, he was among the founders of postcolonial studies.[2] Born in Mandatory Palestine, he was a citizen of the United States by way of his father, a U.S. Army veteran.

David Mamet is an American playwright, filmmaker, and author. He won a Pulitzer Prize and received Tony nominations for his plays Glengarry Glen Ross (1984) and Speed-the-Plow (1988). He first gained critical acclaim for a trio of off-Broadway 1970s plays: The Duck Variations, Sexual Perversity in Chicago, and American Buffalo.[2] His plays Race and The Penitent, respectively, opened on Broadway in 2009 and previewed off-Broadway in 2017.

Tasmania is an island 

Voices of justice, tales of transformation, and a legacy of love. Join us on a journey through ROOTS Week and witness art changing lives one story at a time.

This is Part Two of our Alternate ROOTS series, (Listen to Part One HERE) Bill Cleveland attends the ROOTS Week annual gathering in Asheville, North Carolina. This episode features a diverse array of experiences from workshops, performances, and introduced participants. As ROOTS approaches its 50th anniversary, the episode explores its history and traditions. The episode also shares stories from community art and healing campaigns across different regions in the U.S., with insights from transformative justice work, the Higher Ground project in Kentucky, clean water advocacy in Phillips County, Arkansas, and the Homegrown Utica Fest in Mississippi. These stories underscore the power of collective action, creative expression, and community resilience.

00:00 Introduction to Alternate ROOTS Part 2

00:21 Roots Week: A Gathering of Creative Minds

01:12 Roots Week Opening Session: Personal Introductions

05:15 The Roots Book: A Historical Perspective

05:25 Founding of Alternate ROOTS: The Early Days

07:10 Highlander Center's Role in Civil Rights and ROOTS

08:21 Challenges and Triumphs of Early ROOTS Members

13:51 Group Singing and Community Building at Roots Week

15:43 Healing and Transformative Justice at ROOTS

17:00 Arts for Everybody: Community Art and Healing Campaign

17:34 Higher Ground: Community Theater in Harlan County

22:52 Hold On: Water and Wellness in Phillips County

29:39 Homegrown Utica Fest: Celebrating Local Culture

30:41 Building Sustainable Community Relationships

36:27 The Formation of the Utica Food Club

43:50 Concluding Reflections and Future Directions

Join us in a deep dive into the transformative power of art and conflict resolution with Cynthia Cohen. From powerful personal stories to groundbreaking projects, this episode is a testament to the power of creative peacebuilding.

In this episode we explore artmaking and peacemaking as mutually supporting, synergistic community assets. Our conversation, with activist, writer, educator, and filmmaker Cynthia Cohen delves into her extensive career in arts, culture, and conflict transformation, highlighting her collaborative projects like 'Acting Together' and 'A Passion for Life.' Various global artistic and peace-building efforts are examined for their impact on communities. Throughout, themes of creative engagement, humility, ethical practices, and the critical role of storytelling in peacebuilding are intricately explored.

00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Bernice Johnson Reagon

00:38 Creative Peace Builders: Voices from Around the World

05:40 Cynthia Cohen's Work and Philosophy

08:55 A Passion for Life: Personal and Professional Journey

13:42 Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas in Peacebuilding

15:39 The Role of Arts in Conflict Transformation

22:11 Act Two: How Does Peacebuilding Work?

37:45 Community Responsibility and Indigenous Involvement

38:20 The Influence of Cultural Workers

39:40 Mentorship and Personal Growth

40:02 Artists as Community Members

41:15 Core Principles for Community Impact

43:13 Challenges in Human Communication

50:20 The Role of Arts in Conflict Transformation

53:48 Personal Reflections and Influences

57:28 The Power of Storytelling and Listening

01:07:48 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

As director of the program in Peacebuilding and the Arts, Cynthia Cohen lead action and reflection research projects, and wrote and taught about work at the nexus of the arts, culture, justice and peace.

Cynthia Cohen directed the Brandeis University/Theatre Without Borders collaboration "Acting Together on the World Stage," co-edited the Acting Together anthologies and co-created the project's documentary and toolkit.  She is a senior fellow at IMPACT, Inc. [https://impactart.org] a global nonprofit organization responsible for the dissemination of Acting Together resources. Cohen has written extensively on the aesthetic and ethical dimensions of peacebuilding, including the chapters "Creative Approaches to Reconciliation" and "Engaging With the Arts to Promote Coexistence" and an online book, "Working With Integrity: A Guidebook for Peacebuilders Asking Ethical Questions."

Prior to the Acting Together project, Cohen directed the international fellowship program Recasting Reconciliation Through Culture and the Arts, which produced an anthology by that name. In addition, Cohen has worked as a dialogue facilitator with communities in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Central America and the United States. Before her tenure at Brandeis, she directed a community-based, anti-racist oral history center in the Boston area. 

The audio clips that open the episode are come from the Trailer for the documentary film Acting Together on the World Stage co-created by Cynthia Cohen and Allison Lund of Progressive Pictures.  

*******

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.