Episodios

  • When the Arts Are Under Fire – Navigating Today’s Unfriendly Cultural Climate
    Jul 2 2025
    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.

    • 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.

    Notable Mentions

    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...
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    19 m
  • Can Activist Artists Bring DEI Back From the Dead? Part 3
    Jun 25 2025

    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?

    • Dive into the emerging science of imagination, fear, empathy, and storytelling—and what it reveals about our social behaviors.
    • Learn why art, especially performance, is such a powerful tool for reconfiguring how we perceive “the other.”
    • Hear a heartfelt, layperson’s journey into the brain’s wiring—and how Breaking Ice exemplifies the potential for rewiring hearts and minds through shared experience.

    Spending time with the Breaking Ice theater based diversity, equity, and inclusion program gave rise to a question: How might new insights about how the brain works might help us better understand the how and why of our continuing struggle with difference? Here is what ensued.

    LISTEN TO Part 1 of this series

    LISTEN TO Part 2 of this series

    Change the Story / All Episodes

    Notable Mentions

    Breaking Ice is the award-winning program of Pillsbury House Theatre that for over 20 years has been “breaking the ice” for courageous and productive dialogue around issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. A diverse company of professional actors portrays real-life situations that are customized to meet the goals, needs and culture of each unique organization we serve.

    Pillsbury House and Theater is a groundbreaking “new model for human service work that recognizes the power of the arts and culture to stimulate community participation, investment and ownership.”

    Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: was a Hungarian-American psychologist. He recognized and named the psychological concept of "flow", a highly focused mental state conducive to productivity.[1][2] He was the Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Management at Claremont Graduate University. He was also the former head of the department of psychology at the University of Chicago and of the department of sociology and anthropology at Lake Forest College.

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    49 m
  • Can Theater Artists Bring DEI Back From the Dead? Part 2
    Jun 18 2025

    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.

    • Step inside the post-performance debrief: a high-stakes dialogue where vulnerability, pushback, and transformation collide.
    • Learn how Breaking Ice uses improvisation, humor, and empathy to defuse defensiveness and invite deeper understanding.
    • Hear powerful reflections from both cast and audience members as they confront their own assumptions—and open up to change.

    If Part 1 opened your eyes, Part 2 will challenge your heart. Have a listen as Breaking Ice takes DEI off the page and into real lives, one courageous conversation at a time.

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    47 m
  • Can Activist Theater Artists Bring DEI Back from the Dead? Part 1
    Jun 11 2025

    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.

    • Discover how Breaking Ice, a pioneering DEI theater program, turns lived workplace tension into transformative learning experiences.
    • Hear firsthand stories from healthcare professionals reckoning with identity, bias, and privilege in a system built on healing.
    • Learn how art can dismantle defensiveness and create space for courageous, necessary conversations in complex institutions.

    Listen now to witness how storytelling and performance are cutting through silence to challenge division and inspire real change from the inside out.

    *****

    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.

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    46 m
  • Art IS Change: Want Proof That Art Makes Real Change? Start Here
    Jun 4 2025
    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 MentionsPeople

    On 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 more
    • Slobodan Milošević – Former Serbian leader during whose regime artists staged creative protests. Learn more

    2. Events / Projects
    • Village of Arts and Humanities – Community arts organization in North Philadelphia that evolved from Lily Yeh’s project. Learn more
    • Performing Our Future – A cultural organizing initiative based in Appalachia, Kentucky, through Appalshop. Learn more
    • Mass protests in Serbia – Referenced in the context of creative resistance during the Milošević regime. Learn more

    3. Organizations
    • Appalshop – Media, arts, and education center in Appalachia. Learn more
    • Center for the Study of Art & Community – Host organization of the podcast and Bill Cleveland’s longtime initiative. Learn...
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    19 m
  • Why Arts Activism & Cultural Organizing are a Pro Democracy Imperative
    May 28 2025
    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:

    People

    Julia 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.

    🗓️ Events

    PeaceCon 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.

    🏢 Organizations

    The 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...

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    42 m
  • The CETA Arts Revolution Part 2: What Can Today's Activist Artists Learn From It?
    May 21 2025

    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. P

    1. People

    • Virginia 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 / Programs

    • CETA 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
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    34 m
  • THE CETA ARTS REVOLUTION: What Can Today's Activist Artists & Organizers Learn from It?
    May 14 2025

    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 creatives
    • Learn 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 Mentions

    This 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.

    People

    Virginia 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...

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    38 m