Arts and Mental Health
For those who survive trauma resulting from combat, abuse, natural disaster, or death--to those that battle with the internal storms of dementia, depression, or the myriad of other mental illnesses, there is a compelling body of evidence that makes a case for the positive impact of art on mental health, wellness and recovery.
The projects in this collection are ones that work to improve mental health through creativity. Explore how artists employ theater as a medium through which to illuminate and help heal pain, use art to reconcile emotional conflicts, and more.
Arts and LGBTQ Identity
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning individuals have not only made incredible contributions to arts and culture, but they have used the arts as a way to both inspire and foster community. LGBTQ artists have harnessed their creative practice to fight misconceptions, promote progressive dialogue, and most importantly: empower identity, self-expression, and the ability to tell one's own true story.
This collection features artists, organizations, and funders who work to expand the base of support for LGBTQ rights via performance, song, video, and so much more.
Creative Youth Development
Based on the belief that engaging youth in creative activity leads to higher achievement and the development of personal, social, and intellectual skills and capabilities, creative youth development programs may focus on one discipline, or incorporate many. Either way, participating in a process of creative inquiry empowers young people to understand and interact positively with the world around them.
This special collection features creative youth development organizations and projects that work with young people from diverse backgrounds to affect change in their communities.
Art + Economic Justice
The relationship of art and economics is continuously evolving, and the recent economic downturn has provoked and heightened social inequalities. New artwork and movements have emerged to fight for change and chronicle this upheaval.
The Art and Economic Justice collection features projects from Animating Democracy's Profiles as well as new work of the 99% movement. These projects range from a conversation on art and economic theory to theater productions that inspire audiences to think critically and act on social inequities. We invite you to peruse the projects featured here that delve into an array of issues from a variety of perspectives.
Dance + Community
Dynamic and physical, the practice of dance has deep roots as a traditional cultural tool for communication, community building, and celebration. Today, dancers and dance companies are harnessing this social nature of dance to address various issues and to promote civic engagement through participatory dance, workshops, dialogues, site-specific works, and other innovative approaches.
This Special Collection features organizations and projects that are using dance process and performance as a platform for social change and community building. The Trend Paper by Paloma McGregor and case studies provide critical insight into effective practice for socially conscious dance.
Artists Working In/Within Municipal Governments
When governmental and civic entities employ the arts to engage people in public processes, they often find new and effective ways to motivate participation, make decisions, and solve problems. In communities of all sizes, coast-to-coast, artists and their creative practices are enlivening the workings of civic committees, town hall meetings, and action plans, at the same time they are engaging community members in education, advocacy, and policy efforts related to local and regional issues vital to the public well-being.
This Special Collection highlights a wide range of arts and culture-based projects or programs that broaden participation and deepen meaning beyond typical planning processes and/or governmental systems and structures. They show how arts and culture can play a crucial role in increasing, diversifying, and sustaining public participation; navigating contentious issues; and fostering productive public dialogue and decision making.
Criminal Justice In the Arts
Today, the United States houses twenty-five percent of the world’s total prison population. America’s perception of criminality and corrections is deeply enmeshed within this current context of mass incarceration. Throughout the United States, art is being used to bring awareness to issues of mass incarceration, to engage incarcerated populations, or build community among those affected by the criminal justice system. These profiles reflect projects, artists, and organizations that are bringing awareness to the prison industrial complex in innovative and artistic ways.