[Jubilee] Arts & Change work (for discussion)

[Chris Steinbeisser Fitz]

I attended the "Arts and Change" workshop at Joe's Movement Emporium in 
Mt. Ranier, Maryland (DC) yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed the 
stimulating interaction and discussion with other "conscious artists."  
It was co-organized by an Atlanta-based arts-change network (extending 
across the Southeastern US) called Alternate Roots -- a very inspiring 
and diverse group of folks!  One of the big questions raised in a panel 
was, "what is the role of artists in social change work and movements," 
and while i balked at the overly broad question at first, it sparked a 
lot of good ideas.

One simple anecdote came from a "conscious art" hip-hopper who shared 
about doing workshops with Cripps and Bloods.  He said at the end of the 
workshop, he related that what they hated the most was having to think 
and reflect about their decisions.  "People need to be dumbed down to do 
that kind of gang work.  You don't want someone on a drive-by who's 
gonna ask, 'what about this guy's family?'"  I guess we don't need to do 
much sometimes.  Simple truths.

He recommended a movie called /Slam/.  See it!  I'm gonna!

Another question.  Slightly related:

I have begun to think about doing "anti-bullying" theater work here in 
the York area.  A woman who works for a social service agency mentioned 
to me that "there's always money in school assemblies" if i would want 
to put together a theater package on /anti-bullying/.  Highmark 
insurance also just launched a new funding initiative in PA which 
includes anti-bullying.  So there's money there.  And i remember that 
Hudson River Playback had done performances focused on bullying, but i 
wondered if anyone else has had experience with this kind of themed work 
with kids.

I would also be interested to hear from folks who've brought any kinds 
of art (art/change) projects into public schools and what their 
experience was.  How do you get into a public school?  Who do you set up 
a gig with?  Anyone?

Hope all is well this cool November day (in PA).

peace now,
 chris
 york, pa