Nationwide Artists Protest in “Fall of Freedom” Event: NPR

Artists nationwide are uniting for the “Fall of Freedom” event, a creative protest against authoritarianism. Over 600 events are scheduled across more than 40 states, including Alaska and Florida. This collective effort aims to promote civic engagement and resist censorship.

Background of the Fall of Freedom Event

The “Fall of Freedom,” which takes place Friday and Saturday, addresses growing concerns about the suppression of artistic expression. Lynn Nottage, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and one of the event’s organizers, highlights the fear surrounding artistic programming due to recent political pressures.

Artists Voice Concerns

Eric Gottesman, a visual artist and co-executive director of For Freedoms, discusses the current climate in cultural institutions. He notes that grant cuts and job losses at major venues like the Kennedy Center have left artists feeling isolated and fearful. Gottesman states, “Organizations are paralyzed by the fear of suppression, impacting their support for artists.”

Organizers and Their Vision

The event originated from the idea of visual artist Dread Scott, who invited Nottage to devise a creative action. Nottage expressed her relief at finding a platform to respond to the rise of authoritarianism. Scott emphasized that the project encourages artists to speak out, share creativity, and unite against oppression.

Participants and Activities

Alongside Nottage and Scott, prominent figures like musician John Legend, filmmaker Ava DuVernay, and choreographer Bill T. Jones are participants. Events range from zine-making in Homer, Alaska, to performances of “Les Miserables” in Portland, Maine. In Moscow, Idaho, Moscow Contemporary plans discussions and open mic nights.

A Message of Resilience

Roger Rowley, executive director of Moscow Contemporary, views the event as a pivotal moment for artistic resistance. He expresses optimism about the future, stating, “This is the fall of freedom, but we aim for a spring of freedom.”

Conclusion

The “Fall of Freedom” event exemplifies the essential role of art in social and political movements. As artists across the United States come together to advocate for their freedom, they hope to inspire a resurgence of support for artistic expression against current adversities.