The arts pack powerful punch, especially in turbulent times
What on earth do the arts and labor movement have to do with politics? In a word, everything.
Since we started marking historical periods, historians have used a couple of measuring sticks to name eras: who was ruling politically and the kind of art being made. Often, they go hand in hand.
Artists create based on what they see and experience in their everyday lives. For this reason, artists are considered the canaries in the coal mine — often signaling concern, danger, mistrust and protest. Accordingly, artists’ voices are usually one of the first to be silenced under oppressive regimes, a practice that still exists today.
Artists are rabble-rousers — from Bertolt Brecht, the German poet and playwright who used his works to criticize the rise of the Nazi regime, and Faith Ringgold’s civil rights paintings, to Woody Guthrie’s American folk songs championing the rights of workers and Taylor Swift galvanizing millions of fans to register to vote.
So, when you notice a new administration cutting funding for the arts, or one political party or faction expressing disdain for art and artists, pay attention. This is a political tactic to shut down dissenting voices. This is a signal to squash those powerful voices expressed through song, poetry, theatre, dance, writing, painting, symphonies, operas, pop songs, folk songs, podcasts, movies and more.
With a forthcoming Trump presidency, we can assume another four years devoid of art and artists in the White House, completely at odds with every other president’s cultural tenure.
Art is not sprinkles on a cupcake — pretty to look at but not necessary. Art is not highbrow. Art is not only for the ruling class. Art is the great equalizer: made for the people, by the people.
Like democracy itself, art is a participation sport. Attending one lone Mass on Christmas Eve does not make for a rich spiritual life, and attending one annual performance of the Nutcracker isn’t enough for your artistic education.
In this economy, an erroneous case could be made for treating the arts as a luxury indulgence. Nothing could be further from the truth; art is an action, not a commodity.
Illinois has the chance to lead in vital ways these next four years, as home to one of the strongest labor bubbles in the country, as well as one of the most vibrant cultural scenes.
Our governor and first lady are ardent supporters of the arts and culture and understand there is no supporting the arts without funding the arts, just as they understand there is no labor movement without protecting and supporting unions.
These two interlinked worlds could very well define our state during this next administration.
The labor movement has always been America’s bedrock and foundation. Combined with the arts, these two movements have come together for every skyscraper ever envisioned, every train line constructed and every product built in a factory. If labor and the arts had not worked together, our art deco buildings would never have been built, Lindbergh would have never crossed the Atlantic, cars would have never been designed and mass-produced, and cell phones would not be in 98% of Americans’ pockets.
Most importantly, we would not have a middle class if the labor movement had not fought tooth and nail for a 40-hour week, safe working environments, the end of child labor, competitive and fair pay, as well as the right for workers to organize.
From our building trades to our health care workers, every member of every one of our diverse unions brings something urgent to the table — including our union artists.
Working together, we can keep America learning, growing and prospering. To keep Illinois and America strong, join us as we actively support arts and labor now more than ever.
Lynn LaPlante is a DuPage County Board member. She is also a violinist and violist and member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians Local 10-208.
Marie Newman served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2021 to 2023, representing Illinois' 3rd Congressional District. She is an author, small business owner and activist.
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