GLOBAL CONTEXT
Artivism Everywhere

“Art and artists have always had a hand in political movements, in shifts in cultural thinking. It’s part of our cultural function.”
-Mark Ruffalo​​ 
"When culture shifts, policy follows."
​- Favianna Rodriguez 

An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times. I think that is true of painters, sculptors, poets, musicians. As far as I’m concerned, it’s their choice, but I CHOOSE to reflect the times and situations in which I find myself. That, to me, is my duty. And at this crucial time in our lives, when everything is so desperate, when everyday is a matter of survival, I don’t think you can help but be involved. Young people, black and white, know this. That’s why they’re so involved in politics. We will shape and mold this country or it will not be molded and shaped at all anymore. So I don’t think you have a choice. How can you be an artist and NOT reflect the times? That to me is the definition of an artist.

​-Nina Simone