Artists as Activists
Music, photography, films, painting - is it true that art can really change the world? Artists play many roles, but they can be more than just performers or creators: artists can also be activists. In this Exploration Guide for students in high school, you can analyze major works by artists and activists. Discover how you can turn your own art into activism! Step up and learn how to advocate and build solidarity through creativity.
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Designing for Change: The Role of Protest Art in Social Movements | Shutterstock
Take your time as you read through this article and discover how art is helping fuel social movements during the era of Black Lives Matter and a global pandemic.
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LEMONADE Trailer | Beyonce
Lemonade is a stunning visual album from one of the best artists of our time. Beyoncé touches on a personal journey told through the perspective of a black woman in America. How does the film empower others? Watch the trailer here and make sure to check out "Formation" : https://video.link/w/Wl7Q
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Theaster Gates: Using the Art Economy to Funnel Funds to Underserved Communities | Art for Sale | Artspace
Theaster Gates is an artist who chooses to turn run-down physical spaces into places of art and community. Why is it important for communities to have a shared space to celebrate their history through art?
View Theaster Gates: Using the Art Economy to Funnel Funds to Underserved Communities | Art for Sale | Artspace -
The Artists Behind Seattle's Black Lives Matter Mural in Capitol Hill | MoPop
If you haven’t seen the Capitol Hill mural in-person yet, take a look at it with this aerial footage, and then take advantage of the links provided to each artist’s social media accounts. View more of the work and better understand who put together this important piece of local art!
View The Artists Behind Seattle's Black Lives Matter Mural in Capitol Hill | MoPop -
Nina Simone: In Concert | Hoopla
Nina Simone wrote many political songs, or what she called “protest songs.” Many are on this record—most notably “Mississippi Goddamn”; a song she composed in response to a church bombing orchestrated by the KKK in 1963. How do you feel after listening to the song? How do you think it supported the civil rights movement of the 1960s?
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Urban Bush Women
Read about Urban Bush Women, a dance collective that choreographs performances that advance activism and community engagement. Click through their website to learn more; videos of their performances can be found on YouTube!
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Women Art Revolution
An introduction to the early feminist movement in the United States, watch and learn about the women who broke through barriers in the art world.
Format: Streaming Video
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Can Protest Art Get Its Mojo Back? | The Atlantic
It is extremely easy to feel defeated in the wake of such trying times in the world. How can artists sustain their energy to excite and mobilize their communities to keep fighting for change?
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Ai Weiwei on art, imprisonment and the power of Twitter | ABC News Australia
Ai Weiwei is one of the most influential contemporary political artists; his goal is to empower young people to use their voices to make change. What do you feel inspired to change in the world, and how can you use your voice to make it happen?
View Ai Weiwei on art, imprisonment and the power of Twitter | ABC News Australia -
What Happens In Your Brain When You Make Art | Shots - Health News : NPR
Let’s get down to it! Everyone is capable of creative expression—you just need to figure out what you like to do best. Drawing? Writing? Singing? Baking cakes? Any of these and many others will do. Read this article to figure out how making art can not only help your community, but it can help you and your mental health. Then get started and create something!
View What Happens In Your Brain When You Make Art | Shots - Health News : NPR