Authoritarianism is on the rise globally — AND so is our power to push back. Artists and cultural workers play a pivotal role in successful people-powered movements, shaping what’s possible through story, symbol, and song and moving/inspiring people to courageous action.

Built by and for cultural workers, this training offers insight and connection to meet this moment with strategy, courage, and creativity. Together, we’ll unpack how mass noncooperation can block authoritarian power, learn from global resistance efforts, and imagine how our craft can power collective action. We’ll also take a strategic look at key moments for U.S.-based movement-building in 2026—World Cup, Bicentennial, and Midterm Elections—and consider how artists and cultural organizers can most effectively align with movement priorities.

Whatever your creative medium or path, you’re part of a vital cultural frontline. Let’s grow our power, refuse compliance, and make culture that blocks, bridges and builds.

This training is co-hosted by Beautiful Trouble and US Dept of Arts and Culture. Please note that we are hoping to provide any needed language interpretation, but we may not be able to do so for all requested languages.