Policing Art: The Arts and Humanities During Times of Unrest

2020 was a year of tumult driven by a pandemic and police violence in Black communities. Led by calls for justice and protests expressing the anger and frustration of continued racial, medical, economic and social injustice in America, artists responded in innovative ways while often being met by official resistance.

Phoenix-based artists Mike Pfister and Leah Marche will discuss how they create in — and respond to — times of unrest.

How does it affect their messaging?

How is current messaging tied to a history of response to social unrest?

How does art give voice and representation to these communities?

Finally, how have artists found it difficult to create in times of unrest due to push back from governmental agencies and organizations?

Panel Facilitators

Michael Pfister

Instructor, Faculty of Languages and Cultures ,ASU College of Integrative Sciences and Arts

Co-founder, JazzMEETSPoetry

Leah Marche

Founder, Live Poetic 365

Co-founder, JazzMEETSPoetry