Ken Grossinger: How are Artists and Organizers Creating a Better World Together?

Change the Story / Change the World

In this episode we will hear why Ken Grossinger believes that "organizers can't work effectively without culture, and that art is essential to creating the narrative shifts that make effective organizing possible. In our conversation we explore his new book , ART WORKS: How Organizers and Artists are Creating a Better World Together.

BIO

Ken Grossinger, has been a leading strategist in movements for social and economic justice for thirty-five years, in unions, philanthropic and community organizations.

For two decades, Ken was one of the labor movement's leading strategists. He represented workers in the Service Employees International Union and then directed legislative field operations for the AFL-CIO, running large-scale issue campaigns including against the privatization of Social Security and for health care reform, economic and civil rights. Grossinger is widely regarded as an expert in pioneering national field strategies for labor and community organizations and is well known for building long-enduring alliances between the two.

Formerly a community organizer, Grossinger co-launched the Human SERVE Fund, a national advocate organization that initiated and led the successful decade-long fight for passage of the National Voter Registration Act, commonly known as Motor Voter.

Grossinger is active on several boards including the University of the District of Columbia (Trustee), Hirshhorn Museum (Trustee), People’s Action Institute (Director), Skylight Pictures (Director), and the CrossCurrents Foundation, (Chair).

Among other cultural projects, he co-executive produced the award-winning Netflix documentaries Social Dilemma and Bleeding Edge and served as Executive Producer of Boycott and the forthcoming film Borderland.

Ken is the author of ART WORKS: How Organizers and Artists are Creating a Better World Together, published by the New Press in July 2023. He lives part-time in Washington, DC., and Telluride, Colorado.

How Are Artists & Organizers Creating a Better World Together?

In this episode of 'Change the Story / Change the World,' host Bill Cleveland interviews Ken Grossinger, a labor movement strategist turned advocate for the significant role of arts in social and economic justice. Grosinger discusses his journey from traditional labor organizing to recognizing the vital contribution of arts to narrative shifts needed for effective change. Highlighted is his book, 'ART WORKS: How Organizers and Artists are Creating a Better World Together,' which underscores the power of collaborations between artists and organizers. The dialogue explores various case studies and personal anecdotes that demonstrate the intersection of art, activism, and community building, including impactful art-centric social movements, the strategic use of power analysis in organizing, and the role of museums and artists in fostering social change. Special attention is given to the unique capacity of music and art to drive narrative transformations and mobilize communities against injustice.

00:00 Introduction to Change the Story / Change the World

00:08 Ken Grosinger: From Labor Strategist to Arts Advocate

01:09 The Power of Art in Social Change

03:20 The Strategic Mind of a Social Change Leader

08:01 Art and Organizing: A Synergistic Approach

11:36 Exploring the Impact of Art and Organizing in 'ArtWorks'

14:38 Museums as Catalysts for Community Action and Social Justice

22:51 The Transformative Power of Music in Social Movements

28:45 Unveiling the Power of Music and Art

29:13 Exploring the Impact of Art on Society

34:00 The Dark Side of Cultural Influence

36:58 Redefining Museum Spaces: Cathedrals or Piazzas?

48:46 Art as a Catalyst for Social Change

53:14 Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Community Impact