The Catalyst Commissions: Protect Democracy Edition
In April 2021- Our Project Awardees Weres Annouced. Read more here
“If your voice held no power, they wouldn’t try to silence you.” - unknown
Democracy is the critical pillar of a free and open society. But, democracy in the United States is increasingly fragile.
Recent events, such as January 6th, 2021, have shown that democracy is threatened by growing misinformation, polarization, and historical and continued voter suppression. Democracy is also threatened by a lack of civic engagement—including the insidious belief that one’s voice doesn’t matter. For example, in NYC alone, less than 54% of eligible citizens turned out to vote. Whether by voter suppression tactics or lack of civic participation, our democracy exists in a weakened state.
The Catalyst Commissions, a project of Creative Sanctum, are designed to empower 5 artists using their creative work to sustain democracy. We believe in the power of artists to increase awareness, stir empathy, prompt action, and visualize an improved future with their creative work. With the large upcoming number of 2021 NYC elections (where less than 54% of the population votes), we are specifically seeking artists who catalyze communities in NYC’s Queens, Chinatown, and where you think your work is needed most. We believe artists can catalyze community civic participation, including voting, community boards, op-eds, protests, etc., and sustain democracy.
The Catalyst Commissions are designed to enable artists and community members to use their voice to foster their communities and democracy. The commissioning process is also designed to be community-driven, furthering a more democratized and equitable process. Art is a unique catalyst for civic actions and empowered communities. Keep reading to learn more about our call process.
We are seeking to provide 5 $1,000 grants to commission work that bolsters democracy.
We are specifically seeking artists to showcase work to foster and sustain democracy in one of the below NYC communities:
-Queens
-Chinatown
-NYC community you propose
Eligible Genres Include: Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Performing Arts, Social Practice
We are thrilled to support work that has community impact, with an especial focus on work that goes beyond awareness into action.
Please review the application guidelines and application for full details. Deadline March 20, 2021
If you are from Queens, Chinatown, or identify as a member of NYC’s social justice community, and believe in expanding equity and civic engagement, consider joining the commissioning determination process. Help decide what work will most benefit your community.
The Catalyst Commissions aspires to further democratize the art commissioning process. Traditionally a non-representative body, our panelists will be composed of community representatives where the art is intended to serve. This helps expand a process, which has historically been reserved for a privileged few.
Just like in a true democracy, the project will focus on engaging an inclusive and equitable plurality of empowered voices.
Read more on expectations, how to self-nominate, and become involved. Deadline March 5, 2021.
Our Community Partners
We are grateful for our funding and in-community partners who are enabling our work within existing community ecosystems. Support ranges from funding, supporting our artist and panelist call, and co-facilitating our commissioning panels. This project is part of the Alfred Landecker Democracy Fellowship.
Creative Credits: (1) Let Equality Bloom-Brooke Fischer (2) Power to the Polls- Amanda Sanchez (3) How to Raise Informed Citizens- A Comic from Life Kit (4) 2020 BLM- Monyee Chau (4) March March- Katie Drablos and Friends (4) Democracy is Coming to the USA- Leonard Cohen