ART IS CHANGE: Strategies & Skills for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers
Arts
About
Can your art help dismantle injustice, shift systems, or spark healing in places like homeless shelters, emergency rooms, or city planning meetings? If you’re passionate about making a real difference through creativity, ART IS CHANGE (formerly known as Change the Story / Change the World) is your front-row seat to the real-world impact of art and social change. Hosted by author, musician, and researcher Bill Cleveland, each episode brings you deep into the lives and work of activist artists and cultural organizers who are doing more than dreaming—they’re transforming communities around the world. You’ll discover: • Proven strategies for thriving as an artist for change in complex, real-world settings • How to build meaningful, lasting partnerships that support your mission and your art • Lessons from global leaders creating cultural blueprints for justice, empathy, and resilience ▶️ Start with fan-favorite Episodes 86 and 87: Lessons From an Art and Change Pioneer—a double-dose of inspiration and practical insight.- https://change-the-story-chan.captivate.fm/episode/bighart-bigstory-redux/
Episodes
- 177: Organization & Imagination - What Happens When Actvist Artists Take Root in the System
This episode discusses the Artist Placement Group, founded in the late 1960s, which placed artists within institutions like hospitals and corporations. The initiative aimed not to decorate but to complicate these systems, exploring how art…
- Are Art & Upheaval Incompatible or Inevitable? You Decide
This episode re-examines the relationship between art and upheaval, focusing on art's role in times of crisis. It discusses how art serves as an operational tool and a means of creative response to loss and rupture, ultimately reshaping re…
- 175: Suzanne Firstenberg Asks: How Can Art Help Make the Unseen Visible When People Look Away?
In this episode, social practice artist Suzanne Firstenberg discusses her work, which focuses on turning national tragedy into human encounter. She explores how art can help make the unseen visible and create shared spaces for connection a…
- 174: Anne Cleveland - How Arts-infused Education Supports Democracy
Anne Cleveland, a Waldorf educator, discusses how arts-infused education supports democracy. She explains how this approach helps children develop active citizenship, collaboration, empathy, and self-regulation through various art forms.
- 173: ART IS CHANGE – ART IS RESISTANCE
This episode discusses how activist artists and cultural organizers have historically used art as a form of resistance during times when freedom of expression was under pressure. It provides examples of how cultural practices can reshape p…
- 172: Jordan Seaberry - What Use is Art Making When Freedom is Under Fire?
This episode features a conversation with Jordan Seaberry about the role of art when freedom is challenged. He shares his experiences as a painter, organizer, and educator, discussing how art can be a civic practice for listening, organizi…
- 171: Artist Proof Studio - What Can We Learn From Activist Artists in South Africa
This episode explores Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg, a print studio that serves as a living laboratory for a new society. It discusses how creativity fosters access, collaboration, and persistence, reshaping individual and collective…
- 170: Is Community Based-art Making at the Heart of Cultural Democracy?
This episode explores community-based artmaking and its connection to cultural democracy, featuring insights from Matt Schwarzman. He discusses the movement's growth, its challenges, and the historical influences that shaped his understand…
- 169: Joni Doherty: ART IN ACTION Is Fueling Free Expression & Democracy
Joni Doherty, Senior Program Officer for Democracy and the Arts, discusses how artists defend creative freedom and democracy. She covers how artists confront censorship and recover histories, inspired by a Martin Luther King Jr. speech.
- 168: Arts Freedom Weather Report - The MAGA Squeeze Is Provoking Creative Resistance
This episode discusses creative resistance and cultural restrictions in the United States. It covers how artists, historians, and cultural organizers are responding to narrowing public cultural spaces and defending access to history, liter…
- 167: Arts ON Prescription: Radical Art & Social Change in Healthcare
This episode explores the concept of "Arts On Prescription" and its integration into healthcare. It features insights from Dr. Tasha Golden, who directs research for the International Arts + Mind Lab, and Jill Sonke, PhD, from the Universi…
- 166: The Wedding - What Can We Learn From Activist Artists in Northern Ireland?
This episode revisits "The Wedding," a community play performed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1999 that brought Protestants and Catholics together. It explores lessons from this event regarding reconciliation and shared futures.
- 165: The Intercessor - Art, Faith, & Repair in the MAGA Maelstrom
In this episode, Arlene Goldbard discusses her new book, "The Intercessor," which explores navigating unstable times, resisting false certainty, and practicing repair. The conversation covers discernment, the role of artists as bridges, an…
- 164: Meeting The Moment - Tactics & Tools for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers
This episode explores emerging arts-based tools and tactics for activist artists and cultural organizers. It covers how artists are using public spaces for creative resistance and how artist-led networks are teaching resistance as a craft.
- 163: Arts Freedom Weather Report: MINNEAPOLIS JAN. 2026
This episode of ART IS CHANGE provides an Arts Freedom Weather Report from Minneapolis in January 2026. It focuses on how artists and cultural organizers respond to authoritarian pressure with imagination, strategy, and collective action,…
- 162: Alan Jenkins: These Art & Social Change Superpowers Can Help Save Democracy
This episode features Alan Jenkins, a civil rights lawyer and author, discussing the role of stories, culture, and imagination in defending democracy. The conversation explores the intersection of law, narrative, and culture, and the histo…
- 161: The Arts Freedom Weather Report - January 2026
In this episode, Bill Cleveland presents the Arts Freedom Weather Report for January 2026, discussing the cultural climate and its impact on the arts and democracy. The episode covers how culture is being targeted, the situation at public…
- 160: METRA - A Climate Revolution With Songs
This episode features a discussion about "Metra: A Climate Revolution with Songs," a musical audio drama. The conversation explores how music, story, and the human voice can communicate truths about climate change, the creation of climate…
- 159 What Can We Learn From Activist Artists in Australia: PART 2
This episode, part two of a series, explores BIGhART, an Australian arts and social change organization. It covers their work blending skate culture and Indigenous wisdom for social change, highlighting their long-term projects and communi…
- 158 Goodbye Leni Sloan: Artist, Activist, Catalyst
This episode of ART IS CHANGE is a reflection on the passing of Leni Sloan, an artist, activist, and cultural organizer. Bill Cleveland shares stories of Sloan's life and work, highlighting his impact on art and communities.
- 157 What Can We Learn From Activist Artists in Australia? Part 1
This episode discusses how arts organizations in Australia, such as BIGhART, utilize creative initiatives to tackle social challenges, preserve Indigenous culture, and empower communities. It highlights the role of art in promoting cultura…
- 156: Why Should Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers Care About Sustainability?
This episode of Art Is Change discusses why sustainability is important for activist artists and cultural organizers. It explores ethical responsibility and lasting change in community arts practice.
- 155: Why Are Humility & Failure Essential to Art and Social Change Success?
This episode of ART IS CHANGE discusses the roles of humility and failure in community-based arts work and social change. Guests Leni Sloan, Barbara Shaffer Bacon, and Bill Cleveland share stories and insights on how these elements shape c…
- 154: What are the Moral & Ethical Challenges Facing Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers?
This episode of ART IS CHANGE discusses the moral and ethical challenges confronting activist artists and cultural organizers. It explores questions of good intentions, obligations to communities, and the ethical implications of their invo…
- 153: How Robert Farid Karimi Uses COMEDY & FOOD as a Powerful Strategy for Social Change
Robert Farid Karimi discusses his approach to social change, utilizing comedy and food as key strategies. He explores how humor acts as a bridge in conflict-ridden communities and the power of storytelling. The episode delves into his work…
- 152: Art, Agency, & Fear: How Artmaking Can Help Crush the MAGA Monsters at the Door
This episode discusses how fear affects the brain and how creativity can help individuals reclaim agency. It explores how artmaking can rewire the brain and offers an alternative to narratives driven by fear.
- 151: Should Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers be Running for Office - Tom Tresser Says, "ABSOLUTELY!"
Tom Tresser argues that activist artists and cultural organizers should seek public office. He explains how creative skills can be applied to solve societal issues, using the example of preventing the 2016 Olympics in Chicago.
- 150: What Can We Learn from Activist Artists in Singapore?
This episode features ArtsWok co-founder Su-Lin Ngiam, discussing how the Singapore-based organization uses art to address difficult topics such as grief, inequality, identity, and death. It explores how they bridge diverse communities and…
- 149: What Can We Learn From Activist Artists In Serbia?
This episode discusses activist artists in Serbia, focusing on Belgrade’s Dah Teatar. It features a conversation with co-founder Dijana Milošević, exploring the theater collective's history and ongoing work.
- 148 ; Five Arts Superpowers for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers to Make Change NOW!
This episode examines how art functions in times of chaos, focusing on its ability to help people notice, connect, and rebuild trust. It discusses art's role in various movements and contexts, including the San Quentin production of "Waiti…
- 147: Emma Addams: Can a Quilt Change how Congress Listens— & How you Practice Democracy at Home?
Emma Addams, Co-Executive Director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government, discusses the "Quilting for the Constitution" project. This initiative uses quilting as a way to encourage civic discourse and engagement with democratic principles.
- 146: How is the Government Threatening Activist Artists and Arts Organization?
This episode explores potential threats from the government facing activist artists and cultural organizers. It discusses issues such as funding being withheld and restrictive clauses in grants, and what actions can be taken in response.
- 145: Liz Sunde Brings Music To Life: Activist Artists Making Music, Making Change, & Thriving
This episode features Liz Sunde and discusses Music To Life, an organization that helps musicians and creative individuals drive real-world change without sacrificing their livelihood. It highlights how Music To Life assists artists in des…
- 144: Solar Story Circle: How Narrative Powers Democracy & Social Change
This episode of ART IS CHANGE discusses how narrative powers democracy and social change, drawing parallels with solar energy. It explores ideas from Bill McKibben's book "Here Comes the Sun," highlighting how stories can inspire action fo…
- 143: Alma & Frank: Designing Creative Futures One Story at a Time
This episode, part of a two-part series on California Lawyers for the Arts, introduces Designing Creative Futures. This initiative uses arts to help formerly incarcerated individuals find purpose and rebuild their lives through mentorship…
- 142: Alma Robinson: How Do You Build an Art & Social Change Movement That Lasts Decades
Alma Robinson, executive director of California Lawyers for the Arts, discusses building an art and social change movement. She shares insights on cultural repatriation, youth advocacy, and resurrecting a prison arts program, highlighting…
- 141: Art and Resistance: Smithsonian, FREE DC, LA, and Beyond
This episode discusses how activist artists and cultural organizers are responding to political attacks on the Smithsonian and other cultural institutions. It covers responses ranging from DC block parties and music-fueled protests to art…
- 140:: How can activist artists & cultural organizers help build the bridges we need to make democracy whole?
This episode of Art Is Change explores how art can build community bridges, highlighting a mural project that connected diverse groups. It details the project's evolution, its temporary loss, and the community's recovery efforts, demonstra…
- 139: What Does it take for a Community of Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers to Become a Real Force For Resistance & Change?
This episode of ART IS CHANGE delves into how activist artists and cultural organizers can become a force for resistance and change. It explores creating resilient communities that navigate joy and grief while fighting for justice, featuri…
- 138: Self-Care: Why it Matters for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers!
This episode explores self-care for activist artists and cultural organizers, discussing its importance for sustainability in community arts practice. The conversation covers structural necessities, mutual care, and practices to prevent bu…
- 137: Can Artist activists and cultural organizers become trusted community leaders?
This episode discusses how artist activists and cultural organizers can embrace roles as civic leaders. It explores reframing leadership through various metaphors and shares stories of artistic ingenuity illustrating art's transformative p…
- 136: What Are Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers Accountable to in Their Work?
This episode explores accountability for activist artists and cultural organizers in their work. It discusses the moral and practical anchors that define responsible, effective, and meaningful community cultural engagement, emphasizing dee…
- 135: Jerry Stropnicky: Story, Civic Empathy, & Social Change
This episode features Jerry Stropnicky, who shares how theater can be a tool for justice, healing, and democracy. It explores how community-driven theater projects use shared stories to address community challenges and foster social change.
- 134: “How Do Activist Artists and Cultural Organizers Resist: Lessons from the Anti-Authoritarian Frontlines
This episode discusses how activist artists and cultural organizers can resist authoritarianism, drawing lessons from movement leaders, activists, and artists. It explores strategies for building resilient, creative resistance and continui…
- 133: Can Arts Festivals, Community Theater & Cultural Organizers Save Democracy?
This episode features Kathie deNobriga, an artist, activist, and former mayor. She discusses how creativity, collaboration, and humor foster connection and how grassroots festivals, community theater, and collaborative storytelling can pro…
- 132: When the Arts Are Under Fire – Navigating Today’s Unfriendly Cultural Climate
This episode discusses how activist artists and cultural organizers can protect their work and navigate political and financial pressures. It covers strategies for communication, narrative, and coalition building to defend missions and com…
- 131: Can Activist Artists Bring DEI Back From the Dead? Part 3
This episode explores the intersection of activist art, neuroscience, and DEI. It discusses how understanding the brain can help advance DEI work and how art, especially performance, can reconfigure perceptions of others.
- 130: Can Theater Artists Bring DEI Back From the Dead? Part 2
This episode, "Can Theater Artists Bring DEI Back From the Dead? Part 2," explores a theater-based DEI program called Breaking Ice. It focuses on the post-performance debriefs, where participants discuss race, identity, and inclusion, usin…
- 129 : Can Activist Theater Artists Bring DEI Back from the Dead? Part 1
This episode of ART IS CHANGE discusses how activist theater artists can use their craft to address diversity, equity, and inclusion. It features a look at "Breaking Ice," a DEI theater program that turns workplace tension into learning ex…
- 128: Art IS Change: Want Proof That Art Makes Real Change? Start Here
This episode discusses how art sparks social change and transformation. It highlights artists using creativity to reshape communities and counter dominant narratives, focusing on practical examples of art's impact.