“We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. So did the divine right of kings. Any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings. Resistance and change often begin in art, and very often in our art, the art of words.”

― Ursula K. Le Guin

Introduction

2020 has been a year of unpredictability. COVID-19, the tragedy of George Floyd and the resulting protest movement, and rising levels of unemployment have sent massive ripples across the globe.

In this moment, we believe artists have a crucial role to play: to move hearts and minds, envision a more just world, and spark new possibilities for resistance and change. With this in mind, this program through Talk Is Free Theatre is a new initiative providing funding for artists who wish to harness the energy of this moment to change their communities. This program was designed and developed by Brendan Chandler, Alana Hibbert, Richard Lam and Tahirih Vejdani.

Program Guidelines

TIFT invites artists to submit proposals for projects that promote social activism, community building, and the ongoing fight against inequality, discrimination, colonialism, and injustice*. Submitted projects do not necessarily need to be artistic works, but can also include other forms of activism or engagement. This can include helping to carry out processes of restorative or transformative justice; using your artistic talents to amplify the reach of a specific activist campaign or community support group; teaching your artistic skills to a community that would welcome it; allowing people who are not often heard to speak using your platform or voice; breaking the silence on something that has been buried, so a specific change can occur.
 This list is not comprehensive or exhaustive. Surprise us!

*For example but not limited to and in no particular order: feminism, environmentalism, immigration/migration, colonialism and displacement, electoral reform, systemic racism, genderism, homelessness, justice and prison reform, wealth inequality, health inequality.

Deadline is October 15 at 5pm EST. For more information and to apply, please click HERE.