Art as activism | Marcus Ellsworth | TEDxUTChattanooga

Summary

The speaker explores the transformative power of art as a form of activism, sharing personal experiences and historical examples that demonstrate art's ability to inspire change. From World War II propaganda to the Harlem Renaissance, art has been a catalyst for societal shifts. The speaker recounts a personal encounter that deepened their understanding of art's impact, leading them to activism roles in their community. They encourage artists to share their truths and viewers to engage with art to foster dialogue and promote change.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Art as Activism: The speaker emphasizes that art can be a powerful tool for change, connecting and motivating people to take action.
• 🗣️ Historical Examples: The script references Uncle Sam and Rosie the Riveter from WWII, showing how art can mobilize society and influence perspectives.
• 🌟 Icons for Change: Rosie the Riveter became a feminist icon, demonstrating the lasting impact of art on social movements.
• 🎭 Harlem Renaissance: The script highlights the Harlem Renaissance as a pivotal moment where black artists brought a new perspective to the world stage, influencing the civil rights movement.
• 👤 Personal Impact: The speaker shares a personal story about a performance that led to a profound conversation, changing someone's viewpoint on the LGBTQ+ community.
• 🌈 Art's Emotional Connection: Art can have a deep emotional and personal impact, prompting individuals to rethink their beliefs and attitudes.
• 🔍 Small but Significant: Art can effect change in both grand and subtle ways, inspiring and motivating people on a personal level.
• 🌟 Art as a Catalyst: The speaker's experience with art led to a change in perspective and involvement in various movements for equality and justice.
• 👥 Community of Artists: The Chattanooga area is home to many artists using their work to express truth and bring about change, showing it's a widespread phenomenon.
• 📣 Calls to Action: The speaker encourages both artists to share their truth and audiences to engage with art to spark conversation and challenge views.
• 💬 Art as Dialogue: The script suggests that art can initiate important discussions and prompt personal and societal reflection.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'art as activism' as described in the script?

Art as activism refers to the use of art as a medium to bring about change, connect people, engage them, and motivate them to take action. It's a way to advance society and mobilize it for a cause.

How did Uncle Sam and Rosie the Riveter serve as examples of art as activism during World War Two?

Uncle Sam was used to mobilize an entire generation of young men to fight in the war, while Rosie the Riveter encouraged women to join the workforce, which was a significant change in the American workforce and contributed to the feminist movement.

What role did the Harlem Renaissance play in American history according to the script?

The Harlem Renaissance was a period where black artists and writers created work that was seen on a global stage for the first time, offering a black American perspective that informed the civil rights movement and continues to inspire the fight for equality and justice.

What personal experience did the speaker share about the impact of their art on an audience member?

The speaker shared an experience where a man, who was initially part of an audience that seemed unlikely to connect with the speaker's work, was deeply moved and began to reconsider his views on the LGBTQ+ community after listening to the speaker's poetry.

How did the encounter with the audience member change the speaker's perspective on the power of art?

The encounter made the speaker realize that art can have an emotional and personal impact, leading people to think and potentially change their views, which in turn can influence the world around them.

What actions did the speaker take as a result of their realization about the power of art?

The speaker became more involved in social activism, taking on roles such as the president of Tennessee Valley Pride and co-chair for Tennessee Equality Project for Hamilton and Bradley counties.

Can you name some local Chattanooga artists mentioned in the script who use their art as activism?

Some local Chattanooga artists mentioned are Big Mike Mike, Ann Law, and Ray Zimmerman, who use their work to address issues such as street violence, breast cancer survival, and environmental conservation.

What is Big Mike Mike's project called and what does it focus on?

Big Mike Mike's project is called 'City without tears', focusing on telling the true stories of people living in Chattanooga's inner city who have suffered from street violence and police brutality.

What was the first call to action given by the speaker in the script?

The first call to action was for everyone to get out there and tell their truth using their creative expression, with the intent to connect with people and change the world.

What was the second call to action given by the speaker in the script?

The second call to action was for those engaging with art to let it move them, spark conversations, challenge their own views, and identify actions they can take to make the world better.

What message does the speaker convey through their original piece performed at the end of the script?

The speaker's original piece conveys a message of seeking understanding, respect, and equality. It challenges societal norms and calls for recognition of love and humanity beyond traditional beliefs and prejudices.