Compass

How can the scattered communities of the Rust Belt and the Corn Belt recognize each other, share resources and build cultures of transformation? The Midwest Radical Cultural Corridor is a sign, a vision, an invitation to meet people in cities, towns and rural areas on the roads to Detroit, to learn about local situations and find common issues. Our group of artists and writers, the Compass, is dedicated to exploring the alternative cultures of the region. This workshop offers a convergence for caravanistas, bicyclists and walkers to say how they are linking their home environments, projects and struggles to other localities and initiatives. Participants can tell stories of their travels, show images with a projector and trace out paths on a large map of North America. Key themes: environmental and social justice, alternative food production, cultures of resistance and grassroots institutions. We will carry out video interviews with participants about the life path that has led them to Detroit, to create a lasting document distributed for free. This workshop can be merged with any similar proposal: the point is to meet others and help make the dream of the Midwest Radical Cultural Corridor into a reality. Map it with your feet!

Creativity is important to all vital social movements. With arts and humanities funding cuts in schools and universities, culture is an important site of struggle. The perception among many is that "artist" is not an inclusive category, but one that maintains gender, class, and racial divisions. Gentrification and urban revitalization schemes geared toward the 'creative class' have introduced confusion about the role of engaged art and artists in the city. This has elevated the profile of cultural producers while debilitating artists from picturing their potential role in this struggle. This workshop will seek to answer the questions: What is the role of art and artists in contemporary social and political movements? How can research and creative work that emerges from within and alongside struggles revive a sense of militancy and pertinence in the face of mounting political, social, and ecological challenges? What tactics and strategies will link disparate efforts? How does cultural production factor into building and bridging divisions between people? And most importantly, what is the relation between art, various social institutions, and ways of understanding and doing politics? Individuals from artistic, academic, activist, and community organizing groups will be invited to give responses to these questions. This will ground an open dialogue and debate about the role of art and creativity in the development of diverse social movements.

How can the scattered communities of the Rust Belt and the Corn Belt recognize each other, share resources and build cultures of transformation? The Midwest Radical Cultural Corridor is a sign, a vision, an invitation to meet people in cities, towns and rural areas on the roads to Detroit, to learn about local situations and find common issues. Our group of artists and writers, the Compass, is dedicated to exploring the alternative cultures of the region. This workshop offers a convergence for caravanistas, bicyclists and walkers to say how they are linking their home environments, projects and struggles to other localities and initiatives. Participants can tell stories of their travels, show images with a projector and trace out paths on a large map of North America. Key themes: environmental and social justice, alternative food production, cultures of resistance and grassroots institutions. We will carry out video interviews with participants about the life path that has led them to Detroit, to create a lasting document distributed for free. This workshop can be merged with any similar proposal: the point is to meet others and help make the dream of the Midwest Radical Cultural Corridor into a reality. Map it with your feet!

Creativity is important to all vital social movements. With arts and humanities funding cuts in schools and universities, culture is an important site of struggle. The perception among many is that "artist" is not an inclusive category, but one that maintains gender, class, and racial divisions. Gentrification and urban revitalization schemes geared toward the 'creative class' have introduced confusion about the role of engaged art and artists in the city. This has elevated the profile of cultural producers while debilitating artists from picturing their potential role in this struggle. This workshop will seek to answer the questions: What is the role of art and artists in contemporary social and political movements? How can research and creative work that emerges from within and alongside struggles revive a sense of militancy and pertinence in the face of mounting political, social, and ecological challenges? What tactics and strategies will link disparate efforts? How does cultural production factor into building and bridging divisions between people? And most importantly, what is the relation between art, various social institutions, and ways of understanding and doing politics? Individuals from artistic, academic, activist, and community organizing groups will be invited to give responses to these questions. This will ground an open dialogue and debate about the role of art and creativity in the development of diverse social movements.