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Art and Resistance: Smithsonian, FREE DC, LA, and Beyond
Episode 141
What happens when a president tries
to get the WOKE out of museums?
In this episode of ART IS CHANGE we follow the latest political attacks on the Smithsonian and other cultural institutions and explore how activist artists and institutions around the country are turning up the volume in response.
From DC Block parties powered by Go Go beats to high stakes opera in Detroit, artists and cultural leaders are stepping into the fray.
With escalating pressure from the Trump administration targeting exhibits in institutions and leaders, creatives across the country are beginning to push back.
In this Artists Change weather report:
- We explore how Executive Order 14253 is being used to reshape cultural institutions under the guise of American greatness.
- We'll hear the story of Free DC's music fueled protest movement reclaiming public space and voice,
- and discover how cultural organizers in LA and beyond are responding with art, activism and coordinated statements of defiance.
Notable Mentions
Here’s a clickable reference guide including people, events, organizations, and publications mentioned in the episode, each with a brief description and embedded hyperlink for further reading.
People
- Francine Prose Author and critic, noted here for warning that whitewashing history erodes democratic truth.
- Samuel Redman History professor at UMass Amherst, quoted on the unprecedented legal ambiguity of executive interference in museum operations.
- Justice Yadi Yad Johnson Community organizer and member of Long Live GoGo, using music to empower D.C. residents during unrest.
- Erika Hirugami Curator of the Abolish ICE Mercado de Arte in Los Angeles, which raised funds for immigrant rights.
- Thalía Gochez Photographer whose group show in LA helped raise money for legal defense efforts.
- Patrick Martinez LA-based visual artist known for protest-themed signage.
- Lalo Alcaraz Political cartoonist and satirist who released posters in support of labor leaders.
- Kiyo Gutiérrez Artist who used the LA River as a canvas for immigrant justice messaging.
- Nadya Tolokonnikova Co-founder of Pussy Riot, whose performance Police State became a metaphor for escalating ICE raids in LA.
Events
- Executive Order 14253 said to enforce cultural alignment with “American greatness,” used to justify censorship at museums.
- Free D.C. Go-Go Protests
Published on 2 weeks ago