In light of the recent election updates, we are announcing a new initiative at Greater & Grander. We as progressive artists cannot sit idly by on the sidelines while the state of our country deteriorates.

Therefore, we are announcing a new weekly meeting called, Progressive Artsists.

When I went to film school, my colleagues and fellow students kept telling me they didn’t want to put political values in their work because they wanted to be an artist. Because apparently artists can’t be political. Tell that to Pablo Picasso, Bob Dylan, or Banksy. If you’re an artist and you say it’s too hard to put your values in your work, you’re either not trying enough, or you have no values.

So, we at Greater & Grander are announcing a weekly Zoom gathering to focus on progressive artistic projects we as an artistic community can support.

John Oliver said it best, this is a, “generational battle.” It will not be won overnight, but it will not be won without art.

We are asking our community members to come forward with either: artistic projects that focus on Progressive values; or be willing to volunteer your time for an artistic project that advances Progressive ideals. Any projects that are completed from this group, will be publicized and distributed to Greater & Grander’s mailing list of over 13,000 people, including leaders in the arts, and high-profile entertainment industry members.

This group is open to artworks of all mediums (fine art, infographics, interactive art, documentary, podcast, film & TV, whatever you have in mind).

The rules for this group are as follows.

Rules for Artists for Progressive Causes

1. This is not just a social group, this group is about Getting Shit Done. We are gathering and collaborating in order to make the world a better place.
2. No asking for money. We’re all artists, we don’t have any money.
3. This is a choose your own adventure model. Everyone can present their projects and ideas, and then everyone can choose what they want to work on.
4. Identify yourself.
   1. Name
   2. City/Neighborhood
   3. Pronouns
   4. Relevant Accomplishments
5. Describe Your 1 Project, including Medium, and 2 sentence logline pitch.
6. Describe succinctly, why is this a Progressive art project? 2 Sentences limit suggested.
7. Describe what phase your project is in.
   1. Development – Concept creation, writing, brainstorming, etc.
   2. Pre-production – Identified the project scale, started gathering the elements.
   3. Production – Actively making the project.
   4. Post-Production – Finishing the project.
   5. Distribution – Sharing, or seeking venues to share the project.
8. Succinctly state what help you are asking for, how much you need, and when you need it by. Some examples of what you could ask for include (but are not limited to);
   1. Grant Writer
   2. Umbrella or Sponsor Organization
   3. General or Other Writing Contribution
   4. Screenwriting
   5. Poetry Writing or Submissions
   6. Rewriting or Text Editing Feedback
   7. Budget, Schedule, Planning Documents
   8. Graphic Design
   9. Photography
   10. Illustrations
   11. Actors
   12. Interview Subjects
   13. Stock Footage
   14. Camera Professional (w/ or without equipment?) to record something (interviews, performance, etc.)
   15. Editing
   16. Editing Creative Notes/Feedback
   17. Motion Graphics and/or animation
   18. Music (w/ or without lyrics?)
   19. Singing Vocals
   20. Voice Acting
   21. Curriculum Designer
   22. Venue (what kind?)
9. With any project or idea that is suggested, do not say no, or can’t (unless it’s actually illegal or physically impossible). Instead, try to focus on, “Yes and…” in order to add possibilities.
10. With all projects, we welcome recommendations. When providing recommendations, there is a difference between advice, and connection. Advice is, “I heard about this thing and you should look into it.” A connection is, “I know this person/venue, and I think you would benefit from me connecting them with you, and I would be happy to do that.” Advice is welcome, but should be handled in the chat. Connections are welcome, and can be dealt with at any time.
11. Any projects that are completed from this group, will be publicized and distributed to Greater & Grander’s mailing list of 13,000 people.
12. Standard Don’t be a Dick Rules.
    1. No racism, classism, sexism, misogyny, transphobia, homophobia, etc.

Goals for these projects can be wide-ranging, including (but not limited to):

• Energize the Progressive base to regularly vote, or register voters.
• Inspiring people and communities with progressive goals
• Creating a model/vision for the future
• Designed to move people and politicians to the left
• Disseminate information on Progressive causes
• Support Progressive organizations and campaigns
• Provide representation and empowerment to marginalized communities
• Other Progressive goals

Future sessions will include a variety of activities, including social events, and guest speakers.

Admittance is limited to the first 100 people who join, first come first serve.

Other examples of art used for social change and activism:

• Beautiful Trouble
• Art for Amnesty International
• Art for Amnesty International USA
• Poor People’s Campaign Arts And Culture Theomusicology and The Collection
• Ragtag

If you have any questions, let us know in the comments.

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