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

What if changing a podcast title could spark a deeper, more powerful shift in how we understand the role of artists in shaping society? Not likely, but if you’ve ever felt like your creative work is meaningful but invisible in the fight for justice and transformation, this episode digs deep into how storytelling isn’t just a method—it’s the foundation. We’re in a moment where the narratives driving political and cultural realities are being rewritten, and artists are at the heart of this seismic shift.Discover why “Art is Change” isn’t just a rebrand—it’s a strategic move to make vital work more visible and more impactful.Learn how artists across the world are using creativity to counter dominant, damaging narratives and reclaim public imagination.Hear real stories of transformation, from mosaic-filled lots in Philly to clown-led protests in Serbia, showing how art actively reshapes communities.Tune in to uncover how changing the story—and the title—can change the world, one bold act of creativity at a time.Notable MentionsPeopleOn ART IS CHANGE: Lily Yeh: A Conversation With Lily Yeh Dijana Milosevic: Arts Driven Social Change & Environmental Justice In Serbia Ben Fink: Cultural Organizing in Appalachia: Building Trust, Equity, and Economic Resilience – Part 1 and Part 2******Bill Cleveland – Host of the podcast, long-time community arts worker, founder of the Center for the Study of Art & Community. Learn moreSlobodan Milošević – Former Serbian leader during whose regime artists staged creative protests. Learn more2. Events / ProjectsVillage of Arts and Humanities – Community arts organization in North Philadelphia that evolved from Lily Yeh’s project. Learn morePerforming Our Future – A cultural organizing initiative based in Appalachia, Kentucky, through Appalshop. Learn moreMass protests in Serbia – Referenced in the context of creative resistance during the Milošević regime. Learn more3. OrganizationsAppalshop – Media, arts, and education center in Appalachia. Learn moreCenter for the Study of Art & Community – Host organization of the podcast and Bill Cleveland’s longtime initiative. Learn more4. Publications / IdeasChange the Story / Change the World – Original name of the podcast. Archived EpisodesArt is Change – New name of the podcast aimed at increasing clarity and discoverability. Listen hereThe “Authoritarian Story” – Conceptual framing used in the episode to critique political narratives and elevate the counter-storytelling role of art. Read more on narrative power*******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.

How can the transformative power of art and culture serve as the connective tissue in movements for democracy, justice, and deep societal change?In our divided world , building genuine, arts animated cross-sector collaboration is more than a goal—it’s a necessity. This episode dives into how activist artists and cultural organizers can forge meaningful connections with their community social change partners and why our current systems often fail to support that.Discover the innovative approach of the Horizons Project and how it’s redefining movement-building through authentic relationship weaving.Learn why sharing stories and cultural engagement are crucial in combating authoritarianism and fostering a thriving democracy.Understand how vulnerability, play, and arts are not just tools, but essential strategies for social transformation and collective sense-making.Tune in now to explore how Julia Roig and the Horizons Project are laying the groundwork for a new, interconnected way of organizing for democracy and justice.Notable Mentions:Here is a categorized list of all mentioned individuals, events, organizations, and publications, each accompanied by a brief description and a hyperlink for more in-depth information: PeopleJulia Roig – Founder and Chief Network Weaver at The Horizons Project, focusing on bridging peacebuilding, social justice, and democracy.Cristine Michie – Host of the PlayFull Podcast, where she discusses the role of play in social change.Jarvis Williams – Pastor and speaker who discusses the paradoxes within institutions and the importance of authentic belonging.Míriam Juan-Torres González – Moderator at the Othering & Belonging Institute, facilitating discussions on inclusive democracy.🗓️ EventsPeaceCon 2023 – An annual conference hosted by the Alliance for Peacebuilding, focusing on peacebuilding strategies and collaborations.National Week of Conversation 2023 – A series of events aimed at fostering dialogue and bridging divides in society.🏢 OrganizationsThe Horizons Project – An initiative led by Julia Roig that aims to weave together efforts for a just, inclusive, and peaceful democracy.Alliance for Peacebuilding – A network of organizations working to build sustainable peace and security worldwide.Othering & Belonging Institute – A research institute at UC Berkeley dedicated to advancing inclusion and belonging for all.Beyond Intractability – A knowledge base and community focused on addressing complex and intractable conflicts📚 PublicationNarrative Engagement Across Difference (NEAD) Project – A research initiative exploring how narrative practices can foster collaboration across divides.Collaborating Across Differences to Reduce Authoritarianism – A report detailing strategies for collaboration to counter authoritarianism.Making Peace Visible Podcast – A podcast featuring discussions on peacebuilding, including an interview with Julia Roig.PlayFull Podcast Episode with Julia Roig – An episode where Julia Roig discusses the importance of play in social change.Acknowledgements:Classical Loop Guitar 4 Chords by ValentinSosnitskiy -- https://freesound.org/s/568315/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Stardust, Minimalist Piano Background Music That Evokes Emotion by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/546087/ -- License: Attribution 4.078 PULSE: A Dark and Ominous Soundscape for Mysteries and Suspense by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/541944/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Cuckoo Clock, Breaking Down, A.wav by InspectorJ -- https://freesound.org/s/413410/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

What if the secret to revitalizing today’s creative workforce lies in a forgotten 1970s government program?In a time when society urgently seeks sustainable ways to support artists and strengthen communities, in this episode, the second of two, we revisit the CETA Arts Program—a bold experiment that transformed artists into public servants. You’ll hear how this unexpected initiative is influencing today’s creative policy landscape and how its legacy is being reimagined in pandemic-era artist relief efforts.Learn how CETA’s community-centered structure inspired programs like Creatives Rebuild New York, blending public service with creative employment.Discover the crucial real-world skills—like negotiation, humility, and adaptability—that artists must master but never learn in art school.Hear compelling personal stories of missteps, breakthroughs, and the often invisible work of artists who repair, reimagine, and rebuild community infrastructure.Tune in to uncover timeless lessons and practical tools from an unsung chapter in U.S. history that’s helping shape the future of art and civic engagement today.Notable Mentions:Here’s alist of People, Events, Organizations, and Publications mentioned in the episode, each with a brief description and clickable links to learn more. P1. PeopleVirginia Maksymowicz – Sculptor, longtime CETA artist (1978–1979), and co-director of the CETA Arts Legacy Project based in Philadelphia Blaise Tobia – Photographer, CETA participant documenting the NYC project, professor at Drexel, and co-director of the CETA Arts Legacy Project Ted Berger – Arts advocate, former Executive Director of NYFA, and early leader in NYC’s CETA program John Kreidler – Architect of San Francisco’s first CETA Artists program in 1974, helped shape putting federal funds into art Ruth Asawa – Renowned sculptor and educator who helped launch the first CETA Arts experiment in San Francisco Sarah Calderón – Director of Creatives Rebuild New York who consulted with Virginia and Blaise on CETA models Molly Garfinkel – City Lore archivist who has supported the CETA Arts Legacy Project since 2017 2. Events / ProgramsCETA Artists Project (1978–1979) – Part of the federal Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, this was the largest artist employment initiative since the WPA. Artists served in community centers, schools, prisons—and shaped public life through art CETA Arts Legacy Project – An initiative by former CETA artists (Virginia, Blaise, and others) to document and preserve the CETA movement across the U.S. beginning around 2016–2017 Creatives Rebuild New York (2021–2024) – A $125 million pandemic-era initiative combining artist employment slots and guaranteed income to support creative workers in New York 3. OrganizationsCultural Council Foundation (CCF) – NYC nonprofit that administered the CETA Artists Project, matching artists to community assignments City Lore / Place Matters – NYC-based organization that partnered with the CETA Arts Legacy Project to provide institutional support New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) – National arts service organization where Ted Berger was Executive Director Tides Center – Fiscal sponsor for Creatives Rebuild New York Foundation for the Community of Artists (FCA) – Managed documentation of the CETA Artists Project, including Artworkers News publication 4. PublicationsThe Gift by Lewis Hyde – A classic reflection on the gift economy and why creativity transcends commodification; cited as an essential text for artists in the episode Artworkers News – A newsletter later renamed Art & Artists, published by FCA during the first CETA year to document artist assignments ******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.

Did you know the U.S. once launched a massive jobs program that empowered over 20,000 artists, and creative support staff—and then let it vanish from collective memory?For artists, educators, and community leaders seeking sustainable support for creative work, the forgotten story of the CETA Arts Program offers a powerful historical lesson. In a time of economic uncertainty, this 1970s initiative not only employed artists—it embedded them into the heart of local communities to spark cultural and social change.Discover how two artists-turned-historians uncovered the lost legacy of a program that transformed the lives of thousands of creativesLearn how government-backed art initiatives planted the seeds for enduring institutions like Brooklyn’s BACA Downtown and Philadelphia’s Painted Bride.Hear powerful stories of artists bridging divides, inspiring youth, and reshaping neighborhoods—lessons that resonate powerfully today.Tune in to uncover the hidden history of America’s largest investment in artists and why it still matters for the future of creative community work.Notable MentionsThis is a list of the key figures, events, organizations, and publications discussed in the podcast episode, offering pathways for further exploration into the legacy of the CETA Arts Program.PeopleVirginia Maksymowicz: An American sculptor known for installations that explore social issues, often incorporating the female form. She was a participant in the NYC CETA Artists Project and co-leads the CETA Arts Legacy Project.Blaise Tobia: A contemporary photographer and professor emeritus at Drexel University. Tobia documented the NYC CETA Artists Project and collaborates with Maksymowicz on the CETA Arts Legacy Project.Bill Cleveland: Host of the podcast “Change the Story / Change the World” and director of the Center for the Study of Art & Community.Richard Nixon: The 37th President of the United States, who signed the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) into law in 1973.Abe Beame: Mayor of New York City from 1974 to 1977, during the implementation of the CETA program.Ernie Green: Assistant Secretary of Labor who announced CETA funding allocations to New York City.Alan Lomax: Renowned folklorist and ethnomusicologist, referenced in the podcast for his approach to cultural documentation.Jane Goldberg: A tap dancer and historian who collaborated with fellow CETA artist Charles “Cookie” Cook.Charles “Cookie” Cook: A legendary tap dancer who partnered with Jane Goldberg during the CETA program.Ellsworth Ausby: An artist known for integrating sculpture with performance, who initiated collaborative projects during the CETA era.Charles “Chino” Garcia:Co-founder of En Foco, a Bronx-based photography organization that emerged during the CETA period.Charlene Victor:Director of the Brooklyn Arts and Cultural Association, instrumental in transforming St. Boniface School into a cultural center with the help of CETA artists.Rosita Enrique:Director of an afterschool program in the Bronx that collaborated with CETA artists to enhance arts education.Tyrone “Cool” Jones:A student in East New York who discovered a passion for sculpture through CETA art programs.🗓️ EventsComprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA)A federal program enacted in 1973 to provide job training and employment in public service, including the arts.CETA Artists Project (1977–1980): A New York City initiative under CETA that employed artists across disciplines to work in community settings.Fort Apache, The Bronx: A 1981 film depicting the challenges in the South Bronx, an area where CETA artists were active.🏛️ OrganizationsCultural Council Foundation: A nonprofit that administered the CETA Artists Project in New York City, facilitating artist placements in community organizations.En Foco: A Bronx-based nonprofit supporting photographers of diverse backgrounds, which collaborated with CETA artists.Painted Bride Art Center: A Philadelphia arts venue that expanded its programming and staff through CETA funding.Brandywine Workshop and Archives: A Philadelphia-based printmaking organization that grew significantly during the CETA era.People’s Light and Theatre Company: A professional nonprofit theatre in Malvern, Pennsylvania, that benefited from CETA support in its early years.New York Botanical Garden: A cultural institution in the Bronx that hosted CETA artists for community art projects.High Rock Park: A Staten Island nature preserve where CETA artists conducted environmental art and education programs.📚 PublicationsSculpture Magazine: A publication that has featured reviews of Virginia Maksymowicz’s work.Artblog: An online platform that published an article on the collaborative work of Maksymowicz and Tobia.******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.

What can we learn from artists who survived the chaos of 1980s prisons—and how can their lessons help us resist authoritarianism today?From the Center for the Study of Art & Community, this is Change the Story / Change the World: A chronicle of art and social change, where artivists share and learn the skills and strategies they need to thrive as creative community leaders. My name is Bill Cleveland. As censorship and threats escalate for activist artists and community leaders, navigating today’s polarized world demands more than passion. This episode draws powerful insights from prison arts programs to help creatives and organizers thrive amid rising societal conflict and control.Discover 11 practical rules for building credibility, resilience, and respect in high-stakes, divided environments.Learn why sustained relationships and long-term commitment are the foundation for real, transformative change.Gain essential strategies for navigating us-versus-them traps, telling bold yet responsible stories, and protecting mental health in toxic climates.Listen now to unlock time-tested survival strategies that can empower your activism, deepen your community work, and sustain your creative mission.Notable Mentions1. PeopleBill Cleveland: Host of Change the Story, Change the World. Director of the Center for the Study of Art and Community, he draws on decades of experience working with artists in prisons and conflict zones.Jim Reeves: Author featured in previous episodes, discussed teaching and writing inside prisons.Noel Raymond: Theater director and cultural leader, spoke about operating arts organizations under political duress.Vern McKee: Incarcerated artist, president of Vacaville Prison’s Art and Musicians Guilds, who developed the core “Verne’s Rules” that guide arts engagement in high-stakes environments .2. EventsCalifornia’s Arts-in-Corrections Program (1980-90's): A transformative initiative bringing arts education into state prisons during the 1980s, led by Bill Cleveland. A current program under the same name is being operated by the California Arts Council and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is carrying on the program The Troubles (Northern Ireland): A period of political and sectarian conflict (late 1960s–1998) cited for comparison with the U.S. authoritarian climate.Khmer Rouge Regime (Cambodia): Post-genocide rebuilding efforts included cultural recovery, referenced here as a parallel to U.S. challenges.Serbia under Slobodan Milošević: Cited as a reference point for understanding repression and the role of art in recovery.California Prison Lockdowns (1980s): Specific reference to increased suicide and stress during blocked access to arts programs.3. OrganizationsCenter for the Study of Art and Community: Producer of the podcast, promotes creative engagement in communities and conflict zones.Vacaville Prison Art & Musicians Guilds: Peer-led arts guilds operating inside the prison that played a critical role in early prison arts programming.Freesound.org: Open source sound effects library used for podcast production.4. Publications/MediaChange the Story, Change the World: The podcast series highlighting activist art and community practice.The MAGA Machine: A term referencing the political and cultural fallout from the “Make America Great Again” movement, discussed as a rising source of censorship and pressure on arts practitioners.*****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.