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

In this episode of ART IS CHANGE we follow the latest political attacks on the Smithsonian and other cultural institutions and explore how activist artists and institutions around the country are turning up the volume in response.

From DC Block parties powered by Go Go beats to high stakes opera in Detroit, artists and cultural leaders are stepping into the fray.

With escalating pressure from the Trump administration targeting exhibits in institutions and leaders, creatives across the country are beginning to push back.

In this Artists Change weather report:

• We explore how Executive Order 14253 is being used to reshape cultural institutions under the guise of American greatness.
• We'll hear the story of Free DC's music fueled protest movement reclaiming public space and voice,
• and discover how cultural organizers in LA and beyond are responding with art, activism and coordinated statements of defiance.

Here’s a clickable reference guide including people, events, organizations, and publications mentioned in the episode, each with a brief description and embedded hyperlink for further reading.

1. Francine Prose Author and critic, noted here for warning that whitewashing history erodes democratic truth.
2. Samuel Redman History professor at UMass Amherst, quoted on the unprecedented legal ambiguity of executive interference in museum operations.
3. Justice Yadi Yad Johnson Community organizer and member of Long Live GoGo, using music to empower D.C. residents during unrest.
4. Erika Hirugami Curator of the Abolish ICE Mercado de Arte in Los Angeles, which raised funds for immigrant rights.
5. Thalía Gochez Photographer whose group show in LA helped raise money for legal defense efforts.
6. Patrick Martinez LA-based visual artist known for protest-themed signage.
7. Lalo Alcaraz Political cartoonist and satirist who released posters in support of labor leaders.
8. Kiyo Gutiérrez Artist who used the LA River as a canvas for immigrant justice messaging.
9. Nadya Tolokonnikova Co-founder of Pussy Riot, whose performance Police State became a metaphor for escalating ICE raids in LA.

Events

1. Executive Order 14253 said to enforce cultural alignment with “American greatness,” used to justify censorship at museums.
2. Free D.C. Go-Go Protests Music-based protest events reclaiming public space and demanding home rule for the District of Columbia.
3. National Guard and ICE Raids in LA Referenced context for artists’ responses during federal crackdowns on immigrant communities.
4. Detroit Opera’s Production of The Central Park Five An operatic retelling of the wrongful conviction of five Black and Latino teenagers. The opera won a Pulitzer Prize and became a form of cultural resistance.

Organizations

1. Smithsonian Institution America’s national museum complex, under political scrutiny in the podcast for allegedly “woke” exhibits.
2. National Museum of African American History and Culture A Smithsonian museum specifically called out in political attacks for its portrayal of race and slavery.
3. Kennedy Center National performing arts venue whose programming has reportedly shifted under political pressure.
4. Long Live GoGo Cultural movement using Washington D.C.’s native music style as a tool for protest and unity.
5. Japanese American National Museum LA-based institution that joined public statements against military deployment.
6. Chinese American Museum Cultural museum in Los Angeles advocating against authoritarian presence.
7. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes Mexican-American cultural center that stood against federal overreach in LA.
8. Grand Performances Outdoor arts presenter in LA supporting activist statements.
9. MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles Hosted Nadya Tolokonnikova’s politically charged Police State performance.
10. Detroit Opera Opera company that staged The Central Park Five amid political controversy.
11. National Coalition Against Censorship Co-organizer of the “Collective Courage” statement defending artistic freedom.
12. Vera List Center for Art and Politics New York-based academic hub for socially engaged art, co-organizer of the Collective Courage statement.
13. The Center for the Study of Art and Community Podcast’s production home, supporting creative leaders working at the intersection of art and social change.

Publications

1. The New Yorker Cited for commentary on cultural control and Trump’s branding of history.
2. Albuquerque Journal Quoted Nadya Tolokonnikova on the real-life impact of her Police State performance.

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.

The answer, of course, is more than you can imagine, and then some.

And in this episode of Art is Change, we'll hear the story of just one of the many, many examples we can learn from.

Now, in this episode You'll hear

• How one bold question sparked a mural project, reflecting a flood of voices and connection across race, age, and geography.
• And how that mural project morphed from a visual illusion into a bridge between worlds.
• And finally, when a forgotten commitment led to the mural's loss, how a community's response became a powerful act of healing and recovery.

This show is all about how art can heal, unite, and even kickstart conversations that matter. Plus, we’ll chat about a little hiccup in the project’s journey, when the mural faced some serious neglect, and how the community rallied to give it a second chance. Get ready, because this isn’t just art – it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity!

And doing that, how do we create communities that can hold both joy and grief and stay resilient in these weird hard times and still fight for justice together?

This is Artist Change, a chronicle of art and social change, where activist artists and cultural organizers share the skills and strategies they need to thrive as creative community leaders.

You know, sometimes you meet someone and instantly you feel like they've been gathering people, feeding souls, and making space for real conversations their whole life. That's Wendy Shenefelt

In our conversation, she takes us on her journey from growing up in the Deep south in a transracial family to become a convener, a listener, and a leader in a 49 year old movement of artists and cultural workers fighting for justice. In this episode, we talk about:

• How art can cut through the noise when the words aren't enough.
• And what it takes to keep a community safe and connected in challenging times.
• And why sometimes the smartest move for a movement is to work quietly behind the scenes.

So grab your coffee or sweet tea and join us for a conversation about joy, grief, resilience, and the power of gathering in the circle or on the porch or around the kitchen table. Part one. Roots and Roots. Welcome to the show. Wendy, just so you know, I look forward to all my conversations.

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

• 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.

• COVID-19 Pandemic – A backdrop for discussions around gig artists, healthcare access, and vaccination initiatives.
• Milosevic-Era Protests in Serbia – Highlighted through the guerrilla performances of DA Theater resisting authoritarian rule.
• Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) – A 1970s U.S. jobs program that treated artists as workers and supported infrastructure like costume and lighting banks.

• Center for the Study of Art and Community – Host of the Art is Change podcast and a hub for arts-based social change work.
• Spirit in Action – Organization founded by Linda Stout, providing care and retreats for change-makers.
• Animating Democracy – National initiative at Americans for the Arts supporting civic engagement through the arts.
• Alternate ROOTS – Southern regional arts organization advancing social and economic justice.
• DAH Teatar (Serbia) – Activist theater company defying Milosevic through performance in public space.
• San Francisco Arts Commission – City agency formerly responsible for artist support programs.
• McKnight Foundation – Funder of fellowships for working artists; supported ecosystem research mentioned in the episode.
• Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (Pay Equity Report) – Released a major study on economic challenges facing cultural workers in Western Massachusetts.

• 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

🧑‍🎨 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.

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.

In a world where communities face trauma, disconnection, and invisibility, this episode explores how the ancient impulse to gather and perform stories can foster healing, agency, and real-world change. If you’ve ever wondered how art can truly make a difference, this conversation reveals what it takes. In this episode we:

• Learn how ensemble-based, community-driven theater projects have tackled crises like the opioid epidemic and flood response with lasting impact.
• Hear firsthand how storymaking catalyzes civic empathy and even reshapes local policy, as told by someone who’s witnessed communities reclaim power through their own narratives.
• Discover the 7 principles that guide ethical, effective, and deeply human community arts practice—from agency to accessibility.

Press play to experience how Jerry Stropnicky uses theater as a tool for justice, healing, and democracy—and be inspired to see your own community through a new lens.

Here’s a comprehensive list of all people, events, organizations, and publications mentioned in your podcast transcript, each with clickable hyperlinks and a contextual description:

Jerry Stropnicky Director, actor, and founding member of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in rural Pennsylvania 

Jo Carson: American playwright, storyteller, and collaborator with Stropnicky; known for works like Stories I Ain’t Told Nobody Yet ()

John Malkovich: Famous actor and Stropnicky’s college friend at Northwestern, sharing tales of selling office supplies together

Peter Brook: Legendary theater director Stropnicky observed in Paris at the International Centre for Theatre Research ()

Alvina Krause: Renowned acting teacher in Bloomsburg and inspirational founder of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble ()

Bill Rauch: He was named the inaugural artistic director of the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center (PACNYC) at the World Trade Center in 2018.[1]Previously, Rauch served as the fifth artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), Rauch is also the founder of the Cornerstone Theater Company,

Lori Woolery (Associate Director, Public Works) Leading figure in the Public Theater’s “Public Works” community-driven initiative in New York City ()

Bruce Springsteen: Iconic musician who generously granted permission for the song “The River” to be used in Touchstone Theater's community-based play Steel Bound, and supported the production of Susie Tanner's play Lady Beth.

John Landau: Springsteen’s manager who handled the licensing of “The River” via fax

Susie Tanner: Director in Long Beach working on a similar steelworkers’ play—won Bruce Springsteen’s support

Harry Boyte: Civic democracy advocate who emphasizes that practicing democracy is an active, embodied practice.

Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Tours in Sub-Saharan Africa (c. 1990–91): Performance tour sponsored by the U.S. State Department through Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia—spurred Stropnicky’s pivot to storytelling theater

Harlan County, Kentucky Higher Ground Opioid Crises Response project: Community-based theater tackling America’s opioid crisis, credited with contributing to social change

Touchstone’s Theatre's “Steel Bound” & “Prometheus Redux”: Plays reflecting economic and social change in Bethlehem, PA’s steel community

Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble (BTE): Rural Pennsylvania-based ensemble theater that Stropnicky co-founded, specializing in devised, community-rooted work 

Ford Foundation: Major philanthropic organization that provided funding for Stropnicky’s African collaborators ()

USAID: U.S. international development agency which funded theater-for-development HIV/AIDS plays in Africa. Recently defunded by the Trump administration.

International Centre for Theatre Research: Peter Brook’s influential company in Paris, where Stropnicky studied

Touchstone Theatre (Bethlehem, PA): Venue where Stropnicky worked on “Steel Bound” and later “Prometheus Redux”

Public Theater (New York, NY): Home of Public Works—led by Lori Woolery, blending professional actors and community members

Swamp Gravy (Colquitt, GA): A pioneering community-driven “folk-life play” with widespread influence ()

Jo Carson’s Spider Speculations: Explores neuroscience and storytelling, especially the physiological/social power of narrative

Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed: Latin American methodology (Boal-inspired) influencing Theatre for Development work in Africa

Stropnicky’s “Seven A’s” framework: Agency, Authenticity, Artistry, Accuracy, Audacity, Audience, Accessibility: Seven guiding principles for designing community-centered theater

Bruce Springsteen’s The River: Culturally significant song integrated into community performances (with recorded permission)

Letters to the Editor Play: Script devised from 200 years of local newspaper letters; helped catalyze sustained community theater interest

“Under African Skies”: Educational play developed into a school tour thanks to Ford Foundation and Bloomsburg ensemble

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 do the arts have to do with resisting authoritarianism? And how do we, as creative community leaders, keep pushing for democracy when the odds feel stacked against us?

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the news, discouraged by political setbacks, or unsure how artists and cultural organizers fit into this urgent fight, you’re not alone. This episode brings powerful insights from the 22nd Century Initiative Gathering in Atlanta—where movement leaders, activists, and artists came together to ask the big questions: How do we stop the rise of authoritarianism? And what does it look like to build a resilient, creative resistance?

• Discover the proven strategies of nonviolent resistance that have toppled regimes and fortified democracies around the world.
• Learn why loneliness fuels authoritarianism—and how art can be the antidote by reconnecting communities.
• Hear how artists are not just reflecting change, but making it: organizing, blocking, bridging, and building democracy in real time.

Listen now to explore how you—as an artist, funder, or cultural leader—can be a strategic force in resisting authoritarianism and imagining a democratic future worth fighting for.

Here’s an expanded list of the key figures, events, organizations, and publications mentioned in the podcast transcript—now with richer context and updated hyperlinks for deeper exploration:

• Daniel Hunter – Founder and co-director of Choose Democracy, renowned civil resistance trainer and author of Building a Movement to End the New Jim Crow 
• Maria J. Stephan – Co-lead and Chief Organizer at the Horizons Project, political scientist and co-author of Why Civil Resistance Works 
• Ash‑Lee Woodard Henderson – Co-Executive Director of the Highlander Research & Education Center, organizer in the Movement for Black Lives 
• Emory Douglas – Minister of Culture and graphic artist for the Black Panther Party, his visuals became iconic protest art 
• Lily Yeh – Founder of the Village of Arts and Humanities in Philadelphia, pioneer of community-based public art 

• Civil Rights Movement – Legendary U.S. nonviolent struggle for racial justice, often cited as a model of civil resistance
• Protests against Authoritarian Leaders – Global instances (e.g., Brazil’s Bolsonaro, Hungary’s Orban) illustrating the worldwide struggle to defend democracy 
• 22CI Gathering – The Twenty‑Second Century Initiative conference focused on resisting authoritarianism and fostering democratic resilience

• Choose Democracy – Nonpartisan group preparing Americans to resist undemocratic power grabs through training and strategic organizing 
• Horizons Project – Organizing initiative led by Julia Roig and Maria Stephan focused on bridging ideological divides and rebuilding democracy 
• Highlander Research & Education Center – Historic training center advancing social justice, now co-led by Ash‑Lee Henderson 
• Black Panther Party – Revolutionary Black Power organization known for community programs and Emory Douglas’s visual art 
• Village of Arts and Humanities – North Philadelphia nonprofit transforming vacant lots through communal art projects 
• Laundromat Project – New York–based initiative placing artists in everyday spaces to spark community-led cultural change 

• Why Civil Resistance Works – Co-authored by Maria Stephan; benchmarks the effectiveness of nonviolent movements 
• Building a Movement to End the New Jim Crow, Climate Resistance Handbook, Strategy and Soul – Books by Daniel Hunter on activism and social change 
• Black Panther newspaper (posters by Emory Douglas) – A striking medium for Panther messaging and community visuals 

*******

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.

In today’s polarized climate, building authentic, inclusive community can feel impossible—especially across political, social, and cultural divides. But Kathie deNobriga has been doing exactly that for decades—as an artist, activist, and even as the mayor of a small Georgia town. Her story shows how creativity, collaboration, and a little humor can foster connection where we need it most.

• Hear how Kathie’s winding journey from political theater to small-town leadership taught her the power of listening, laughter, and shared purpose.
• Learn how grassroots festivals, community theater, and collaborative storytelling can become secret weapons for tolerance and social change.
• Discover why humility, mistakes, and the occasional unruly neighbor (or cow) are essential ingredients for building real, resilient communities.

Tune in to hear how one artist-mayor is using creativity and conversation to rewrite the story of community—one gathering, one laugh, one story at a time.

👤 People

1. Kathie deNobriga

Theater artist, cultural organizer, former mayor of Pine Lake, GA, and long-time member of Alternate ROOTS.

1. Bill Cleveland

Host of the Art is Change podcast and Director of the Center for the Study of Art and Community.

1. Jo Carson

Theater collaborator and part of the early political theater collective referenced by deNobriga.

1. Bob Leonard

Longtime community-based theater artist and academic, mentioned as a long-term collaborator with Kathie.

1. Ashley Haze

A younger member of the Alternate ROOTS staff, representative of the intergenerational dialogue in the organization.

1. Hannah Arendt

Political theorist cited in the conversation for her insights on loneliness and totalitarianism.

📅 Events

1. Pine Lake October Arts Festival

Annual local arts festival organized in Pine Lake, GA, coordinated by Kathie as a civic-arts initiative.

1. Spoleto Festival USA

Premier arts festival in Charleston, South Carolina that includes music, theater, and visual arts. Kathie attended and highlighted it for featuring Manual Cinema.

🏛️ Organizations

1. Alternate ROOTS

A southern-based collective of artists and cultural organizers working at the intersection of art and activism. deNobriga is both a contributor and co-editor of their upcoming book.

1. Manual Cinema

Chicago-based performance collective blending shadow puppetry, cinematic techniques, and live performance. Their show The Fourth Witch was praised by Kathie.

1. The Center for the Study of Art and Community

The podcast’s parent organization founded by Bill Cleveland, promoting creative community leadership.

1. The Road Company (assumed to be related to or inspired by this group)

A political theater troupe in Johnson City, TN referenced in Kathie’s early work.

1. Freesound.org

A collaborative database of Creative Commons-licensed sound effects, credited in the podcast’s production notes.

📚 Publications

1. The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt

Landmark political analysis on how loneliness and social atomization contribute to the rise of totalitarian regimes.

1. (Upcoming) Alternate ROOTS 50th Anniversary Book

A collective anthology currently in development, capturing the 50-year history of Alternate ROOTS. Scheduled for publication in 2026. Not yet available online.*****

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.

If you’re an artist, nonprofit leader, cultural organizer, or anyone working at the intersection of creativity and social change, you already know the landscape is shifting—and not in your favor. From sudden grant revocations to legal threats and public media cuts, values-driven arts organizations are facing mounting political and financial pressure. In an environment where inclusion and cultural storytelling are under attack, understanding how to protect your work is no longer optional—it’s essential.

• Discover how new federal policies and funding shifts are undermining equity-focused arts initiatives—and what that means for your organization’s future.
• Learn the difference between the “Ironman” and “Atomic Blonde” survival strategies for nonprofits navigating politically hostile environments, and how to align your approach with your mission.
• Gain actionable tools for crisis communication, narrative layering, and coalition building to defend your mission and your community when the pressure is on.

Listen now to learn how to safeguard your creative work and stay resilient in the face of rising political and legal threats to activist artists, cultural organizers and community cultural organizations.

1. People

• Matthew Charles Davis – Public relations and crisis communications expert featured in the Grantmakers in the Arts webinar “Navigating Today’s Funder Challenges.” Former investigative journalist known for handling high‑profile media crises  .

2. Events

• Navigating Today’s Funder Challenges: A Live, Expert Discussion – A Grantmakers in the Arts webinar held June 3, 2025, featuring experts (including Matthew Charles Davis) discussing legal, PR, and narrative strategies for nonprofit arts funding 
• Grantmakers in the Arts 2025 Webinar Series – A continuing series of webinars for arts funders and nonprofit leaders organized by Grantmakers in the Arts ().

3. Organizations

• Grantmakers in the Arts – National service organization offering resources, webinars, and research to support arts funders and grantees 
• National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) – Federal agency providing funding and support for U.S. arts projects; mentioned regarding grant revocations.
• Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – Executive office responsible for federal budget oversight; cited for budget freezes on grant approvals.
• Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) – Federal agency funding public broadcasters like PBS and NPR, currently facing funding threats.
• PBS – Public Broadcasting Service, funded partly through CPB; its federal support has been targeted.
• NPR – National Public Radio, similarly reliant on CPB and under political scrutiny.
• Kennedy Center – Leading performing arts center in D.C., shifting resources toward patriotic programming per internal memos.
• Americans for the Arts – Advocacy group lobbying against federal arts funding cuts and supporting the arts sector.
• Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) – Indigenous-focused arts institute facing funding threats in the FY 2026 budget.
• LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) – Community development nonprofit that adjusted its messaging to maintain federal funding, switching from “race/gender” to “social/economic disadvantage.”
• Central Park SummerStage – Outdoor performance series in NYC; cited among organizations impacted by NEA grant cancellations.
• Oakland Theater Project – East Bay arts organization whose federal grants were pulled unexpectedly.
• San Francisco Jazz – Renowned music organization in San Francisco affected by NEA funding revocations.

4. Publications & Reports

• Webinar “Navigating Today’s Funder Challenges” materials – Grantmakers in the Arts event materials referenced for crisis‑communication tools and best practices  .

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.