Make Art Talk Race
Make Art Talk Race is a way to have safe conversations about racism that push us in the direction of healing, and help us release pent up guilt and anger that we are not even consciously aware of, through creative expression.
Racism is something few people like to or have an opportunity to talk about with other folks, so it continues to undermine social change in our neighborhoods.
We all aspire to live in thriving communities. But if we want to reimagine our cities, we have to do more than build buildings. We have to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
Here’s how it works:
- Convene a diverse group of people. It is important that the voices be heard. Be intentional about inviting people whose voices are often missing from the conversation.
- Have well-trained facilitators in place; people who have a solid grounding in t he theories behind racism, and are able to easily explain the structural and nature of racism. They are trained in holding space for all voices to be heard.
- Create an environment that is right for authentic engagement. People should sit in a circle, establish ground rules, and build connection with a quick check in.
- Alternate short, fact-based sessions with sessions of dialogue and art. Explore a bit of research about the dynamics of racial oppression and privilege, and follow it with reflection time in small groups where participants can engage in conversation while making art at the same time.
Folks will make dynamic connections across the lines of difference, create art that reflects their experiences, and have fun.
