146: How is the Government Threatening Activist Artists and Arts Organization?

What Threats are There to Activist Artists and Cultural Organizers & What Can You Do About Them?

Today on our weather report, we're wading into stormy waters, namely threats to activist artists and arts organizations coming not from creeps and trolls on the Internet, but from our own government.

So this week we're focusing on what's happening to creative change agents out there and on what might be coming.

Yep, we're talking about funding being yanked, but also loyalty style clauses slipped into grants and organizations being told to sit down and shut up or else. Over the next 20 minutes or so, we'll take a quick walk through

1. What's already taking place,
2. What might be coming
3. And what we can do about it.
4. We'll also share how some organizations and programs are stepping up to defend the field.

Acknowledgements

From FreeSound.org

WINDDsgn_Hurricane wind in the forest area.Designed_EM.mp3 by newlocknew -- https://freesound.org/s/680138/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

Thunder Claps, Single Clap 01 by PNMCarrieRailfan -- https://freesound.org/s/682351/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

Darkest Thursday – A Haunting Electronic Masterpiece by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/558271/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

78 PULSE: A Dark and Ominous Soundscape for Mysteries and Suspense by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/541944/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

improvised non-chill 2 by waveplaySFX -- https://freesound.org/s/238525/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

improvised non-chill 2 by waveplaySFX -- https://freesound.org/s/238525/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Loud knock on door.WAV by simonk24 -- https://freesound.org/s/666218/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Fog Horn.wav by CGEffex -- https://freesound.org/s/94678/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Bosch’s Garden – Mythical Game Music for Fantasy and AI Projects by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/647212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Gonna be gone by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/640853/ -- License: Attribution

Links referenced in this episode:

1. centerforstudyofartandcommunity.org
2. nationalendowmentforthearts.gov
3. rhodeislandlatinoarts.org
4. nationalqueertheater.org
5. newmexicoarts.org
6. georgesoros.com
7. reidhofmann.org
8. fordfoundation.org
9. macfound.org
10. schmidtfamilyfoundation.org
11. americansforthearts.org
12. artsactionfund.org
13. americanallianceofmuseums.org
14. internationalcenterfornonprofitlaw.org
15. councilofnonprofits.org
16. goodwinlaw.com
17. allianceforjustice.org
18. tenenbaumlegal.com

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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.