This is Precisely the Time

This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal. I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge — even wisdom. Like art. Toni Morrison

https://www.americansforthearts.org/news-room/arts-mobilization-center/creative-workers-to-work

This policy proposal is all about activating the creative economy within a comprehensive national and local recovery strategy. Creative workers are an essential component of getting communities back on their feet financially, socially, and emotionally. They now have over 700 endorsements from all across the country, and are hoping to show strong, unified support for a creative workforce program to both of the Presidential campaigns and to the current Administration and Congressional officials.

The document compiles 15 different, specific proposals for action, centered on efforts that will:

1)      drive direct federal employment of creative workers;

2)      encourage local, state, private sector, and tribal activation of creative workers;

3)      adjust existing federal policies to treat creative workers as workers;

4)      integrate creative interventions into response, recovery, and resilience programs; and

5)      support cultural organizations and access to arts, culture, and arts education for all.