ART IS CHANGE: Tactics and Tools for Activist Artists and Cultural Organizers

What does it take for a community of activist artists & cultural organizers to become a real force for resistance & change?

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...

If you’re a cultural worker navigating the messy, magical middle ground of art and activism, who’s taking care of you?

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...

Can an artist lead a community?

What does it take for cultural activists to become trusted stewards of change in divisive times?

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.

To whom or what are artists and cultural organizers truly accountable—and why does it matter?

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.

What happens when a theater director steps into a struggling town and ignites transformation through the power of shared stories?

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:

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 t...

What happens when community theater, political leadership, and grassroots organizing collide?

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.

What happens when your art, your activism or your organization’s mission makes you a political target?

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.

What if the key to undoing bias and building empathy isn’t just policy or protest—but a complicated art and neuroscience dance that facilitates the rewiring the human brain?

In this final chapter of our three-part Breaking Ice series, we move from the stage to the synapse. After witnessing how theater can unearth hidden truths and foster real conversations, we now explore the neuroscience behind it all. What’s really happening inside us when we struggle with difference? And how can understanding the brain help advance the work of DEI?

Can a scripted performance shift the way people feel—and act—about race, identity, and inclusion in their workplace?

This is Chapter Two of our three-part journey into the world of Breaking Ice, a theater-based DEI program pushing against the mounting tide of resistance and rollback. Building on the emotional groundwork laid in Part 1, we now go deeper into what happens after the curtain rises—when the performance ends and the real conversations begin.

Can artists revive the powerful, but increasingly vilified, values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in America?

As DEI initiatives face growing backlash and politicization, many wonder whether the ideals of inclusion and justice can still thrive. This show originally shared in 2023 is the first episode of a three-part series that invites listeners into a raw, eye-opening performance that uses the language of live theater to confront bias, spark honest dialogue, and explore how the arts can illuminate our shared humanity in even the most divided spaces.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 priso...

Can the right song, painting, or museum exhibit spark real political change? What if culture is the missing strategy in today’s social movements?

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 activist artists and cultural organizers share and learn what they need to thrive as creative change agents. My name is Bill Cleveland.

If you’ve ever felt like your efforts for justice aren’t hitting deep enough, it might be because the culture hasn’t caught up with...

The MAGA storm system continues to exert a profound influence on community members, activist artists and cultural organizers living and working in Minneapolis' Powderhorn Central Community.

Bill Cleveland's dialogue with Noel Raymond reveals the complexities of navigating activism amidst the destabilizing forces fast moving Trumpian juggernaut. Raymond describes the fraught material emotional landscape faced by artists and cultural organizers, characterized by feelings of fear, rage, and disorientation.

Takeaways:

What happens when a writer steps into a prison and discovers more than just stories behind bars? In this episode author and educator Jim Reese shares vivid stories and hard lessons from more than a decade working with incarcerated men.

In a world obsessed with punishment over understanding, this episode dives deep into the transformative power of writing in places most people never dare to go. If you’ve ever wondered whether creativity can truly change lives—on both sides of the prison walls—this conversation offers surprising answers.

Summary

In this Change the Story, Good Trouble “Weather Report” episode, Michael Bobbit, Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, joins host BC to examine the turbulent climate for arts and social change under the Trump regime. From the erosion of DEI policies to looming threats against public arts funding, Bobbit underscores the urgent need for advocacy and proactive engagement across the arts sector. This compelling conversation offers both a diagnosis of the current cultural storm and a call to action for artists, organizers, and institutions to reclaim their power in the public square.

Bio

Summary

In this powerful and personal conversation, MASS Cultural Council Executive Director, Michael Bobbitt explores the life-saving role of the arts, how creative work is inherently political, and the deep importance of joy, community, and innovation in building a better future. Drawing on his personal story, leadership journey, and groundbreaking initiatives, Bobbitt challenges arts organizations to think boldly and cross-sectorally in their work for social change.

Bio

Michael J. Bobbitt is a distinguished theater artist. As the Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council, he is the highest- ranking public official in Massachusetts state...

Summary

Weather Report: The Art & Activism Forecast from Minneapolis

In this episode, we kick off a new Change the Story feature—The Weather Report—where we check in with creative change-makers across the country to get a pulse on how art and activism are faring in their communities.

First stop: Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Our guest is David O’Fallon, a longtime cultural leader with deep roots in the Twin Cities and beyond. From his early days with In the Heart of the Beast Theatre to leadership roles at the Kennedy Center, National Endowm...

Change the Story GoFundME Campaign

Along with many of our guests, we believe we have come to a place in the American story that calls for both pushing back AND pushing forward.

To do our part in this, we want to grow our audience, do more in-depth serial episodes, use our expanding archive to help artists learn about art and social change work.

Up to now, Change the Story has been a sweat equity work of passion. That said, making these changes will require some added assistance. So, if you believe that meeting the...

Thank You For Listening

Its been 4 years and 116 episodes. Now, we’re at a turning point. Our listeners are asking for more—more in-depth storytelling, more tools for teaching and advocacy, and a broader reach. To make that happen, we’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to help sustain and expand the podcast.

You know as well as anyone that the world needs these stories now more than ever. If you believe in the power of creative voices to shift narratives, spark action, and build a more just and humane world, we’d be honored if you’d consid...

Summary

Can somethings as mundane a publishing be a revolutionary act. This podcast episode delves into the profound significance of mission centered publishing as illuminated through the life and work of Lynne Elizabeth, the founding director of New Village Press. Our conversation underscores the notion that books serve as instruments for social change, bridging divides and igniting action within communities. Lynne, who affectionately refers to her role as a "book doula," passionately discusses the transformative power of literature and the imperative of publishing with purpose. Throughout the dialogue, we explore the intersection of creativity and social justice...

Lily Yeh, a globally celebrated artist and community arts pioneer, shares her transformative journey of using art to foster healing, hope, and resilience in marginalized communities around the world.

Drawing from her experiences in places like Philadelphia, Rwanda, and China, she emphasizes the power of collaboration and the importance of community engagement in creating meaningful public art. Yeh believes that true beauty and healing emerge not from imposing solutions, but from listening to and uplifting the voices of those directly affected by trauma. Her work illustrates how art can be a catalyst for change, enabling individuals to...

Summary

This podcast episode features a compelling conversation between Bill Cleveland and Jack Bowers, highlighting the transformative power of arts programs within the prison system.

Bowers shares his experiences as a musician and educator at Soledad Prison, emphasizing how curiosity and opportunism led him to create profound connections and foster a vibrant creative community among incarcerated individuals. The discussion reveals the significant impact of art in mitigating the harsh realities of prison life, allowing participants to explore their identities and express themselves in ways that transcend their circumstances. Cleveland and Bowers reflect on the challenges...

Episode Summary

In this second of two episodes exploring democracy as a creative practice Bill Cleveland leads a rich discussion with theater workers Arnaldo Lopez, Ben Fink, and Scott Rankin, and labor organizer Ken Grossinger, who share how artistic endeavors can bridge differences, foster justice, and inspire community engagement. The conversation delves into the transformative power of storytelling and the role of cultural democracy in redefining citizenship and identity.

As the guests recount their experiences, they highlight the importance of trust and cooperation in collaborative projects that address social issues. Ultimately, this episode underscores the...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 crea...

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

BIO

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 teac...

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.

BIO

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 pr...

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...

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...

Join Bill Cleveland in a special bonus episode as we explore the incredible 50-year journey of Alternate ROOTS a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to social and economic justice. Featuring insightful conversations with Roots staffers Aimee McCoy and Clarissa Crawford, this episode delves into the diverse contributions of artists in tackling community issues, the importance of membership, and the upcoming 2024 Roots Week. Don't miss this in-depth look at one of America's most influential arts organizations and their vibrant community impact.

BONUS-BONUS: Alternate ROOTS Collection: This is a collection of Change the Story Episodes featuring 9 creative change agents who...

 🌟 "Change the Story, Change the World" is back with the FURTHER, Further Adventures of Lenwood O. Sloan! Dive into our conversation on woke culture, historical monuments, and the power of public art. Don't miss this engaging episode! #Podcast #ArtAndCommunity #ChangeTheWorld 🎙️

In this episode of 'Change the Story, Change the World,' Bill Cleveland continues his conversation with Lenwood O. Sloan. They discuss the abuse and current significance of Juneteenth, the replacement of Confederate monuments, and the various implications of the 14th Amendment over time. Sloan shares insights on public art as a means to foster community dialogue and how c...