111: Is Democracy a Creative Practice?

DEMOCRACY is a practice that we haven't been practicing. The gap between the story we've been telling ourselves about our participatory democracy and our actual experience leaves us unprepared for the Resistance and Reclamation project that we're about to undertake. To get better at Democracy, we need to treat it as a creative practice!This is the first of two episodes that explore the intricate relationship between art and democracy. This episode delves into the idea that democracy is not merely a system of voting, but a dynamic practice that requires active participation and creativity from its citizens. In his conversation with past guests, Bill Cleveland posits that our understanding of democracy is flawed, as too many citizens view it solely as a transactional process rather than a communal endeavor. Through insights gathered from creative change agents who have engaged deeply with the intersections of art and democratic practices, the episode illustrates how creative expression can act as a catalyst for civic engagement. The narrative reveals a pressing concern about the current state of American democracy, where apathy and division threaten the very fabric of communal life. Cleveland advocates for a renewed commitment to practicing democracy as a form of art, where citizens actively contribute to shaping their society, thereby enriching not only their own lives but also the collective experience of democracy itself.Takeaways: Democracy is a practice that requires active participation, not just voting in elections. The fragility of American democracy stems from a lack of understanding of its true nature. Creative practices in democracy can help bridge divides and foster community engagement. Sharing personal stories can play a crucial role in understanding and practicing democracy. The connection between art and democracy emphasizes the importance of collective storytelling. Democracy thrives when citizens engage in meaningful dialogues and collaborative efforts together. Chapters:00:11 - A New Direction in Storytelling00:41 - Democracy as a Creative Practice09:33 - The Role of Stories in Democracy16:18 - The Legacy of Lydia Hamilton Smith22:30 - Animating Democracy: The Role of Arts in Community Engagement25:47 - The Power of Creative Engagement in Social Issues32:29 - The Role of Arts in Cultural Democracy37:08 - The Role of the Culture Bearer46:31 - The Connection Between Civic Engagement and Creative Practice47:52 - The Impact of Citizenship Schools on DemocracyNotable MentionsIndividuals:Bill Cleveland – Center for the Study of Art and CommunityLeni Sloan – Leni Sloan bioPam Korza – Animating DemocracyBarbara Schaefer Bacon – Animating DemocracyHarry Boyte – Humphrey InstituteCarlton Turner – Mississippi Center for Cultural ProductionLori Poirier – First Peoples FundMurray Strom – Public Work AcademyMoises Kaufman – Tectonic Theater ProjectEve Ensler – The Vagina MonologuesRosie Perez – Rosie Perez BioBernice Robinson – Literacy Project DocumentaryOrganizations:Animating Democracy – Animating DemocracySouthern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) – SCLC Official SiteMississippi Center for Cultural Production – Mississippi Center for Cultural ProductionFirst Peoples Fund – First Peoples FundPublic Achievement – Public AchievementTectonic Theater Project – Tectonic Theater ProjectAIDS Memorial Quilt – AIDS Memorial QuiltV-Day – V-Day OfficialThe Laramie Project – Tectonic Theater Project - The Laramie ProjectUniversity of Massachusetts Arts Extension Service – UMass Arts Extension ServiceEvents:2024 U.S. Elections – 2024 Elections OverviewThe AIDS Memorial Quilt Display on the National Mall – AIDS Memorial QuiltVagina Monologues Performances – V-DayCulture Shift Conference – Culture Shift ConferenceThe Citizenship Schools of the Civil Rights Movement – Highlander Research and Education CenterWork Progress Administration (WPA) – WPA HistoryDocuments/Legislation:13th Amendment – 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution14th Amendment – 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution15th Amendment – 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution19th Amendment – 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution