Where does art meet activism?

Activism has long been a way for artists and curators, writers and filmmakers to engage with global flashpoints, inspiring new perspectives on visible and unseen causes. Over the last century, public interventions, performative protests, and works created for public marches or events have led communities to participate in art experiences and make art themselves.

The Me Too Movement, Black Lives Matter, Dreamers and Climate Change activists expose sexual harassment and assault, race-based violence, immigrant rights violations, and the impact of sea level rise. The issues have energized today’s culture production. Contemporary artists and curators increasingly lead and invite calls to action in response to these vital concerns.

Featured in this conversation: Andrea Bowers, Ralph Rugoff, Catherine Morris, Gary Carrion-Murayari, Manolis D. Lemos, Tania Bruguera, Maria Elena Ortiz, Maria Alyokhina

Sound Editor: Julien Borrelli | Special Audio: Andrea Bowers, Manolis D. Lemos, Tania Bruguera, Pussy Riot | Photography: Credits in Captions

Related episodes: Andrea Bowers on Environmental Activism, Ralph Rugoff on the 13th Lyon Biennal, Catherine Morris and A Year Of Yes, Maria Aloykina on Political Art

Related links: Agora, The Highline, New York, Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminism Art, Brooklyn Museum, An Incomplete History of Protest, Whitney Museum of American Art, New Museum Triennial, Songs for Sabotage, Tania Bruguera: Migrant People’s Party, Sala de Arte Público Siquieros, Mexico