125: THE CETA ARTS REVOLUTION: What Can Today's Activist Artists & Organizers Learn from It?

Did you know the U.S. once launched a massive jobs program that empowered over 20,000 artists, and creative support staff—and then let it vanish from collective memory?For artists, educators, and community leaders seeking sustainable support for creative work, the forgotten story of the CETA Arts Program offers a powerful historical lesson. In a time of economic uncertainty, this 1970s initiative not only employed artists—it embedded them into the heart of local communities to spark cultural and social change.Discover how two artists-turned-historians uncovered the lost legacy of a program that transformed the lives of thousands of creativesLearn how government-backed art initiatives planted the seeds for enduring institutions like Brooklyn’s BACA Downtown and Philadelphia’s Painted Bride.Hear powerful stories of artists bridging divides, inspiring youth, and reshaping neighborhoods—lessons that resonate powerfully today.Tune in to uncover the hidden history of America’s largest investment in artists and why it still matters for the future of creative community work.Notable MentionsThis is a list of the key figures, events, organizations, and publications discussed in the podcast episode, offering pathways for further exploration into the legacy of the CETA Arts Program.PeopleVirginia Maksymowicz: An American sculptor known for installations that explore social issues, often incorporating the female form. She was a participant in the NYC CETA Artists Project and co-leads the CETA Arts Legacy Project.Blaise Tobia: A contemporary photographer and professor emeritus at Drexel University. Tobia documented the NYC CETA Artists Project and collaborates with Maksymowicz on the CETA Arts Legacy Project.Bill Cleveland: Host of the podcast “Change the Story / Change the World” and director of the Center for the Study of Art & Community.Richard Nixon: The 37th President of the United States, who signed the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) into law in 1973.Abe Beame: Mayor of New York City from 1974 to 1977, during the implementation of the CETA program.Ernie Green: Assistant Secretary of Labor who announced CETA funding allocations to New York City.Alan Lomax: Renowned folklorist and ethnomusicologist, referenced in the podcast for his approach to cultural documentation.Jane Goldberg: A tap dancer and historian who collaborated with fellow CETA artist Charles “Cookie” Cook.Charles “Cookie” Cook: A legendary tap dancer who partnered with Jane Goldberg during the CETA program.Ellsworth Ausby: An artist known for integrating sculpture with performance, who initiated collaborative projects during the CETA era.Charles “Chino” Garcia:Co-founder of En Foco, a Bronx-based photography organization that emerged during the CETA period.Charlene Victor:Director of the Brooklyn Arts and Cultural Association, instrumental in transforming St. Boniface School into a cultural center with the help of CETA artists.Rosita Enrique:Director of an afterschool program in the Bronx that collaborated with CETA artists to enhance arts education.Tyrone “Cool” Jones:A student in East New York who discovered a passion for sculpture through CETA art programs.🗓️ EventsComprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA)A federal program enacted in 1973 to provide job training and employment in public service, including the arts.CETA Artists Project (1977–1980): A New York City initiative under CETA that employed artists across disciplines to work in community settings.Fort Apache, The Bronx: A 1981 film depicting the challenges in the South Bronx, an area where CETA artists were active.🏛️ OrganizationsCultural Council Foundation: A nonprofit that administered the CETA Artists Project in New York City, facilitating artist placements in community organizations.En Foco: A Bronx-based nonprofit supporting photographers of diverse backgrounds, which collaborated with CETA artists.Painted Bride Art Center: A Philadelphia arts venue that expanded its programming and staff through CETA funding.Brandywine Workshop and Archives: A Philadelphia-based printmaking organization that grew significantly during the CETA era.People’s Light and Theatre Company: A professional nonprofit theatre in Malvern, Pennsylvania, that benefited from CETA support in its early years.New York Botanical Garden: A cultural institution in the Bronx that hosted CETA artists for community art projects.High Rock Park: A Staten Island nature preserve where CETA artists conducted environmental art and education programs.📚 PublicationsSculpture Magazine: A publication that has featured reviews of Virginia Maksymowicz’s work.Artblog: An online platform that published an article on the collaborative work of Maksymowicz and Tobia.******Change the Story / Change the World is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.