Art and Social Change

file image: Melbourne Street Art

Trolling through FB this morning because, well, I just did not want to really do anything productive...but art slapped me in the face.  Not once but TWICE!

First was a post from a friend whose son is now traveling to the Ukraine helping those who have had their a art community center taken from them and turned into a prison. You can read a bit about it here.

Blew. Me. Away.  To think this young guy who I bounced on my knee as an infant is going halfway across the world to a very dangerous place to help others to be able maintain or regain their ability to express themselves.

Then I happen across this other piece that puts in into a larger and poignant context.  Sarah Lewis nails just why and how art experiences have inspired and sparked many social justice movements.

All in under 2 1/2 minutes.

How Art Can Change Society by curator, Sarah Lewis 

Once on the page, just scroll down just a touch to find the video link. This is an incredibly concise and insightful explanation about how the aesthetic affects and even creates social change.