Art & Social Justice

“Artists are here to disturb the peace. They have to disturb the peace.
Otherwise, chaos.”  James Baldwin

As we have watched unprecedented events unfold throughout our country, we are reminded of the transformative power of art.

Art and social justice are deeply connected.  Speaking truth though art has a long and mighty tradition in the face of protest and unrest.  

We urge you to turn to art for solace, as a pathway to understand your feelings and the feelings of others. In these times, we must find ways to express and uphold our own truths, even if our creations are only for ourselves. Using art to explore, explain and implore, is necessary in times of struggle.

You need not be an artist to find the grace and tenderness in creating something that speaks your truth. Can something we create hold our collective pain and fear and help us to face our country’s historic and systemic racism?

Within each of us is held the fundamental hope and transformative energy that our nation truly needs. We hope that in these times, you turn to telling your story through art and that it brings you strength and agency to pursue a more just society for all.

May you find solace and inspiration in creating, 

With love,
Board and Staff of NWCEAI 

Resources for Anti- Racist Progress

Building Bridges
Power Flower: Reflection of Our Social Identities
Until We Are Free 
An Artist’s Unflinching Look at Racial Violence
Racial Equity Tools 
31 Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance
Four Black Creatives on the Importance of Building and Cultivating Community
Black Art in America