Abstract
Remember the Culture Wars from the 1990’s when Far Right religious and political leaders tried to destroy the National Endowment for the Arts? Well, we won the battle and lost the war. What happened to America’s arts and cultural sectors then set the stage for the current state of American civics. The presenter will remind us of what happened during the Culture Wars, who did what to who, and what the long-lasting impacts have been. He will then make the case for artists and cultural workers as public leaders and demonstrate, using volunteers from the audience, that we have not only what it takes to get elected to local public office in America, but that we are desperately needed in public life. It’s time to stand up for democracy, human rights, science, justice, equity, and creativity in America by running, winning, and governing from those values.
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
Leadership, Democracy, Civic Engagement, Elective Office, Culture Wars, National Endowment
