The Charles F. Kettering Foundation promotes inclusive democracies by promoting citizen engagement, promoting government accountability, and countering authoritarianism. With its new focus area ‘Democracy and Art’, the foundation recognizes that art offers opportunities for understanding and expressing fundamental democratic values, including individual freedom, mutual responsibility, honesty, belonging and trust.
We have a generous view of what art is and who makes art; all art makers have the potential to be democracy makers. Art is an intrinsic part of our lives and can disrupt conventional ways of thinking, support critical inquiry, generate rich conversations and invite people to be co-creators of democratic communities around the world.
In his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, Kettering has welcomed its first artist-in-residence, Sierra Leone, a spoken word poet and educator with strong ties to local arts and activist communities. Leone is currently working with the Human Race Theater Company on “The Belonging Project,” an exploration of how the ambitions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 have been realized (or not) in Dayton. Stories shared during listening sessions result in an original play featuring a cast of community members and professional actors.
Kettering supports nationally Art in actiona segment developed in collaboration with PBS NewsHour’s Canvas team. Five episodes have aired and another five are currently in development. Everyone is guided by digital online articles and lesson planswhich are intended to increase public understanding of the role of art in a democracy.
Art in action broadcasts that have aired to date include:
- You are herethe American poet Ada Limón’s long-standing project about the natural world and climate change
- A look at James Baldwin’s lasting influence on art and activism
- Exhibition of LaToya Ruby Frazier Monuments of solidaritywhich emphasizes an activist approach to art
- To adjust An enemy of the peopleIbsen’s 19th century play about a public health catastrophe, in response to the trauma and challenges of the COVID pandemic
- How students can explore history through art in a national competition
Claire Bishop once wrote, “Art questions how the world is organized and opens up possibilities for change.” Kettering’s approach aims to integrate art and democracy by working with artists and arts organizations to creatively explore how the ideal of inclusive democracy can be realized.
For more information about the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and “Democracy and the Arts,” visit kettering.org.
