Americans for the Arts and Race Forward Launch The ‘Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy’ Starting September 27 until October 5, 2024

Americans for the Arts(AFTA) andRace Forward are launching theCultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy , running from Sept. 27 through Oct. 5, 2024. The Cultural Week of Actionis a new annual initiative emphasizing the ways in which arts, culture, and creativity can be utilized to secure a just, multiracial democracy.

Together with local arts and culture institutions and community-based organizations, projects and activities across the country will spark conversations that touch on history, how it shapes our present, and how everyday people are organizing to build an equitable and racially just future. Local events will also inspire action that community members can take together to create a truly, just, multiracial democracy-starting in their own neighborhoods. As part of the Cultural Week of Action, Americans for the Arts and Race Forward funded 14 projects to anchor the week of events and further their work on arts, race, and democracy. Learn more here.

"The Cultural Week of Action is a powerful reminder of the role arts and culture play in shaping our collective future,said Suzy Delvalle and Jamie Bennett Interim Co-CEOs of Americans for the Arts,"Our goal is for individuals to view the arts as a source of meaningful response to the challenges that affect our national welfare. It is only possible to create a shared, national identity for our country by celebrating the stories, symbols, sounds, and sensations that represent our cultural heritage."

The week-long series of activities will kick-off in St. Louis, MO, on Sept. 27 at 6:00 p.m. with a panel discussion on how arts and culture shape democracy. There will be live performances, and a viewing of the recently unveiled art installation honoring Michael Brown Jr. Brown was fatally shot by police in Ferguson, MO, ten years ago. The keynote speaker for the September 27 St. Louis event isDr. Philip Woodmore . Woodmore developed the original score for Antigone in Ferguson. The event will be held at The Hawthorne in St. Louis, 2231 Washington Avenue.

The panel discussion, moderated byRinku Sen , Executive Director of Narrative Initiative, will includeJoseph Orzal ,Favianna Rodriguez , andR-SON . Performances by Gangstagrass, a nationally renowned bluegrass and hip-hop group, and local St. Louis artists will provide additional cultural inspiration to drive action toward a multi-racial democracy.

"As attacks on racial equity and democracy continue to grow both locally and globally, now is the time for bold action that inspires new ways of thinking," said Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward. "Events such as this deepen commitments to racial justice and inclusive democracy, demonstrating that we all have a role to play in creating a beloved community."

Arts and culture have always been instrumental in shaping our views on democracy. That's why we're bringing together artists, creatives, and community members across the country to fight for what our communities need: to dream big and make the case for why a just, multiracial democracy is the only path forward.

Here's how you can get involved:

1. Host your own event or activity!It's not too late. We're still taking submissions to our map .
2. Participate in a local event happening near you. Check out our map and events listing by state .
3. If you're based in St. Louis, join us on 9/27 for our in-person kick-off event!Enjoy live performances by the band Gangstagrass, Story Stitchers, and the Phil Woodmore Singers, a keynote by Dr. Philip Woodmore, a dynamic panel of creatives and movement leaders, and much more! RSVP to join us .
4. Join Americans for the Arts on 10/1 at 2:00 pm EST for a virtual webinar: Building a Bigger We: Arts, Culture, and the Future of American Democracy.Register here.
5. Join Race Forward on 10/2 at 2:00 pm EST for a virtual webinar:#RaceAnd: The Critical Role of Arts & Culture in Advancing Racial Justice. Register here .
6. On the evening of 10/2, experience "The Drum Major Instinct" by Theater of War Productionsin St. Louis or virtually. Featuring Chad Coleman (The Wire, The Walking Dead), The Phil Woodmore Singers, the New Sunny Mount MBC Mass Choir, and soloists De-Rance Blaylock, Duane Foster, and John Leggette. Register to attend in person or on Zoom !
7. Engage with us onlineby using #CWA24 and following @raceforward and @americans4arts on all social media platforms.