When everything feels like it’s unraveling, how do we know art still matters? In this episode, we explore the question:

What use is art in a world on fire?

Across movements, across generations—from Ella Baker’s quiet revolution to Beckett’s unexpected presence in a prison theater—this episode offers three simple, potent reminders of how art works in times of chaos: to notice, to connect, and to rebuild trust. Whether you’re an artist, organizer, or simply someone searching for clarity, you’ll find resonance in these stories.

• Discover how art helps us pay attention—to our world, our neighbors, and ourselves.
• Understand the power of creative trust—what happens when making becomes a shared act of listening.
• Explore how storytelling and performance can bridge divides, even behind bars or across ideologies.

Notable Mentions:

People

Bill Cleveland: Host of Art Is Change and Director of the Center for the Study of Art and Community. (Learn more)

Ella Baker: Civil rights activist whose words inspired Ella’s Song. (Learn more)

Bernice Johnson Reagon: Composer of Ella’s Song and founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock. (Learn more)

Judy Munson: Composer and sound designer for the podcast. (Learn more)

Donald Trump: Referenced in the context of political polarization. (Learn more)

Samuel Beckett: Playwright of Waiting for Godot; supported San Quentin production. (Learn more)

Jan Jönson: Swedish director who brought Beckett’s play to San Quentin. (Learn more)

Jim Carlson: Prison arts advocate involved in the San Quentin project. (Learn more)

Barney Rosset: Beckett’s U.S. publisher. (Learn more)

Donald James: Actor who played Vladimir in the San Quentin production. (Learn more)

Reginald Wilson: Actor who played Estragon in the San Quentin production. (Learn more)

Brian Boyd: Author of On the Origin of Stories. (Learn more)

Voltaire: Philosopher often linked with the quote popularized by Spider-Man. (Learn more)

Events & Projects

Waiting for Godot at San Quentin: 1988 prison arts project with lifers performing Beckett’s play. (Learn more)

Federal Theatre Project: New Deal arts program (1935–1939) employing 15,000 artists. (Learn more)

A Bright and Dangerous Spark: Ongoing inquiry into art, imagination, and story. (Learn more)

Organizations

Center for the Study of Art and Community: Research and training org focused on arts-based community development. (Learn more)

Art Is Change Podcast: Podcast chronicling activist artists and community change. (Learn more)

Sweet Honey in the Rock: A cappella group known for justice-centered performances. (Learn more)

Freesound.org: Free collaborative database of sound effects. (Learn more)

Virginia Tech Theater for Social Change: Theater degree program hosting Bill’s talk. (Learn more)

San Quentin Arts Program: Historic prison-based arts education program. (Learn more)

Publications & Media

Ella’s Song: Anthem written by Bernice Johnson Reagon inspired by Ella Baker. (Learn more)

On the Origin of Stories: Brian Boyd’s work on storytelling and evolution. (Learn more)

Waiting for Godot: Beckett’s classic existential play. (Learn more)

Spider-Man (Uncle Ben Quote): Comic/movie franchise popularizing 'with great power comes great responsibility.' (Learn more)

League of Creative Champions: Metaphor for five key 'superpowers' artists bring to social change. (Learn more)

Acknowledgements

FX From FreeSound.org

Gastly sounds by menvafaan -- https://freesound.org/s/169665/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0

Music for a Podcast or Animation, or...? by Dave_Girtsman -- https://freesound.org/s/676422/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Thinking of Driving: Gentle Piano Music for Emotional Scenes by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/532774/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

linewin6.wav by awrecording.it -- https://freesound.org/s/547658/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Simple Waiting BeepBox Loop by qubodup -- https://freesound.org/s/737525/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Cash Register by kiddpark -- https://freesound.org/s/201159/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Bosch’s Garden – Mythical Game Music for Fantasy and AI Projects by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/647212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

campfire medium nearby slight forest slap echo +distant people laughing.flac by kyles -- https://freesound.org/s/453783/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Musical - Native American Day of the Dead Celebtration with Pipes, Whip Cracks, Drums.wav by jaegrover -- https://freesound.org/s/262876/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Whoosh_Electric_01.wav by LittleRobotSoundFactory -- https://freesound.org/s/274210/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Bosch’s Garden – Mythical Game Music for Fantasy and AI Projects by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/647212/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

April Showers: Sweet Lo-Fi Piano Vibes by kjartan_abel -- https://freesound.org/s/608392/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

*****

Art Is CHANGE 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.