January 31, 2020: Staging Transformation: Art as Social Activism

Published: Jan. 31, 2020, 5 p.m.

The arts have the power to deepen conversation, open minds, and call for compassion and consciousness. Throughout history, art has been used as a tool for dialogue, exploring social justice issues, and affecting positive change. Cleveland, home to a vibrant arts scene, has featured a myriad of works that challenge audiences to consider the actions and responsibilities of society, both broadly and locally. Local, national, and international artists discuss art as a vehicle for activism and social change. From a play about the City of Cleveland's consent decree, to a community-driven architectural project at Riverview Welcome Center, to the Arabic language being spoken on stage, these artists discuss art, equity, and access, and how their specific works serve as acts of social justice.