let us not be scared of the work because
it’s hard
let us move the mountain
because the mountain must move
— From “ a poem: principles" by Danez Smith

Across this country, artists are rising to meet the moment, applying their gifts to calling out the evils of this racism and violence that flood the headlines and inundate too many lives. The Laundromat Project is calling for "creative responses to this moment--drawings, poems, dance, films, songs, etc.—as well as your readings, curricula, self care tips, and more” to be shared via their website and social media. Mainstream media are covering visual arts work, dance, and music generated by artists asserting that #BlackLivesMatter. Some artists are building a wall along the Mexican border. A coalition of artists, other community members, and organizations is building and decorating a wall around the Republican convention. In the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts’ exhibit on art and media activism, artist Indira Allegra has created an installation on police uniforms and the culture of violence. The Dark Noise Collective has opened a Google Doc for writers to "connect writers to local, grassroots organizations that are engaged in active campaigns to fight police violence and increase police accountability."

For every example we might list, there are a dozen other projects enlisting the power of beauty and meaning in movements for love and justice. Please join us on Tuesday, August 16th at 6 pm EDT/3 pm PDT for a Citizen Artist Salon—an online video call—where you can learn more about what’s happening; share processes, strategies, and techniques; and talk with others who share your desire to matter with their artwork. Moderated by USDAC Chief Rhapsodist of Wherewithal Yolanda Wisher featuring special guests Hatuey Ramos-Fermín and Ricardo Levins Morales, artist working on the frontlines of culture shift.

Artist Bios:

Ricardo Levins Morales is a poster artist and organizer and lives in Minneapolis, MN. As a founding member of the Northland Poster Collective he participated in the trenches of the labor movement in various capacities and has offered his art as a tool to assist in organizing drives, educational efforts, awards, commemorations and for various other functional purposes.

Hatuey Ramos-Fermín is an artist, educator, and curator based in The Bronx. He is the co-founder of Boogie Down Rides, a bicycling and art project celebrating cycling in the Bronx. He has organized projects and made presentations at a security guard training school (in tribute to Fashion Moda), community centers, churches, restaurants, laundromats, as well as galleries and museums. He has mentored young adults at the Center for Urban Pedagogy, and The Bronx Museum of the Arts, where he also served as Curator of Education. Ramos-Fermín has also participated in the Elizabeth Foundation for the Art’s Shift Residency, and The Laundromat Project’s Create Change Public Artist Residency. He received his BA from the University of Puerto Rico and his MFA from St. Joost Art and Design Academy.