Episode Details

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 Mentions

People

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

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• 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 more