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148 ; Five Arts Superpowers for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers to Make Change NOW!
Episode 148
When everything feels like it’s unraveling, how do we know art still matters? In this episode, we explore the question:
What use is art in a world on fire?
Across movements, across generations—from Ella Baker’s quiet revolution to Beckett’s unexpected presence in a prison theater—this episode offers three simple, potent reminders of how art works in times of chaos: to notice, to connect, and to rebuild trust. Whether you’re an artist, organizer, or simply someone searching for clarity, you’ll find resonance in these stories.
- Discover how art helps us pay attention—to our world, our neighbors, and ourselves.
- Understand the power of creative trust—what happens when making becomes a shared act of listening.
- Explore how storytelling and performance can bridge divides, even behind bars or across ideologies.
Press play to be reminded that in uncertain times, art doesn’t just survive—it leads. Listen now and carry these three truths forward into your community.
Notable Mentions:
People
Bill Cleveland: Host of Art Is Change and Director of the Center for the Study of Art and Community. (Learn more)
Ella Baker: Civil rights activist whose words inspired Ella’s Song. (Learn more)
Bernice Johnson Reagon: Composer of Ella’s Song and founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock. (Learn more)
Judy Munson: Composer and sound designer for the podcast. (Learn more)
Donald Trump: Referenced in the context of political polarization. (Learn more)
Samuel Beckett: Playwright of Waiting for Godot; supported San Quentin production. (Learn more)
Jan Jönson: Swedish director who brought Beckett’s play to San Quentin. (Learn more)
Jim Carlson: Prison arts advocate involved in the San Quentin project. (Learn more)
Barney Rosset: Beckett’s U.S. publisher. (Learn more)
Donald James: Actor who played Vladimir in the San Quentin production. (Learn more)
Reginald Wilson: Actor who played Estragon in the San Quentin production. (Learn more)
Brian Boyd: Author of On the Origin of Stories. (Learn more)
Voltaire: Philosopher often linked with the quote popularized by Spider-Man. (Learn more)
Events & Projects
Waiting for Godot at San Quentin: 1988 prison arts project with lifers performing Beckett’s play
Published on 3 weeks ago