How can artists help in ways that are particular to art? Can art help shift the paradigm in ways that are needed? How can art/artists be leveraged for greatest impact?
In Nairobi, I worked with young Kenyan photographers in the city’s Kibera slum, and started a photobook library for a weekly photography class for teens.
In Takoma Park, I hosted a music/visual arts series, Viaduct Arts, based on harnessing the power of art with topical relevance - exploring topics like Mars, fracking, climate, social justice, and building community. We showcased and promoted the growth of a ‘future-arts’ movement and partnered with artists, groups, and organizations to find innovative ways to make a difference.
When COVID shut that down, my driveway became Roadside Attractions, a micro-local live music venue for the community. At the time, there was literally nowhere else to play in the DC area. We got city funding to pay honorariums to the otherwise out-of-work artists. RA had incredible sets by the likes of Yasmin Williams, who has since been featured in Rolling Stone and NY Times.
We turned our garage and driveway into a climate-arts ‘cafe’, with live music, art on the fence (and in the garden), and a couple of climate-related speakers from local groups.
