Artists Engaging in Social Change: A Continuum of Impact

Artists and the arts reflect society. Attuned to the social, political, and cultural currents of their time, artists’ work reveals untold stories and embodies and heralds the issues of the time. Artists’ work enters the public consciousness and public discourse. Artists and cultural organizations are increasingly playing a more deliberate role in making social change. Beyond reflection, the arts engage, animate and influence. The Artists Engaging in Change: A Continuum of Impact Chart details the impact the arts can have in regard to awareness, knowledge, and discourse; attitudes and values; capacity; participation and action; and systems, policies, and places.