The Superpowers of Arts & Culture and how they can supercharge the movement for inclusive democracy

Artistic and cultural processes are uniquely well-suited to strengthen inclusive democracy and counter rising authoritarianism because they have the power to engage us cognitively, emotionally, sensorily, and spiritually. Throughout history and around the world, successful resistance movements have been animated and strengthened by creativity. Artistic and cultural processes can be crafted to interrupt violence, unite diverse communities, support marginalized groups to reclaim their stories, mock those who abuse power, strengthen our capacity to imagine a better world, and empower our communities to design a future that aligns with their values, not their fears. In the face of rising authoritarianism in the U.S. and abroad, The Horizons Project recognizes a need for a truly multisectoral movement to create an inclusive, peaceful, ethical democracy, that includes artists and cultural workers, alongside the business community, faith communities, labor unions and veterans and military families (read more about Horizons’ Pillars Project).

Currently, there is a growing team of artists and cultural workers who live and work in communities across the U.S. and are working together to strengthen the pro-democracy movement. Drawing on their expertise across multiple artistic disciplines (theater arts, visual arts, music, comedy, museums, literature, poetry, dance, crafts and more), and their skills as strategists, convenors, storytellers, facilitators, and provocateurs, Arts and Culture: Movement Superpowers will share exciting stories and strategic insights about how arts and culture are supercharging the emerging multi-sectoral movement. It will also offer resources, funding opportunities, and training so you can explore bringing similar superpowers to your work. If you want to learn more about creative approaches to resisting authoritarianism and building a better world this Substack is for you.