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September 3, 2024

NEW YORK – Race Forward and Americans for the Arts (AFTA) today announced the kick-off event for the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy, running from Sept. 27 through Oct. 5, 2024. The week-long series of activities across the country will kick-off in St. Louis, MO, on Sept. 27 at 6:00 p.m. with a panel discussion on how arts and culture shape democracy, live performances, and viewing of the recently unveiled art installation honoring Michael Brown Jr., who was fatally shot by police in Ferguson, MO, ten years ago.

The panel discussion, moderated by Rinku Sen, Executive Director of Narrative Initiative, will include Joseph Orzal, Favianna Rodriguez, and R-SON. Performances by Gangstagrass, a nationally renowned bluegrass and hip-hop group, and local St. Louis artists will provide additional cultural inspiration to drive action toward a multi-racial democracy.

“As attacks on racial equity and democracy continue to grow both locally and globally, now is the time for bold action that inspires new ways of thinking,” said Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward. “Events such as this deepen commitments to racial justice and inclusive democracy, demonstrating that we all have a role to play in creating a beloved community.” 

The Cultural Week of Action is a new annual initiative emphasizing the ways in which arts, culture, and creativity can be utilized to secure a just, multiracial democracy. This year’s week of activities will comprise:

• Activities across the country that bring together local arts and cultural institutions and community-based organizations to explore our history, how it shapes our present, and how everyday people are organizing to build an equitable and racially just future. A list of projects and events happening during the week can be found here. 
• A national event in St. Louis with performers, leaders, and artists exploring ways to use arts and culture to advance a multiracial democracy. The event will also amplify the local work happening in communities across the country throughout the week of action.
• Seeding and popularizing national narratives that tie together the local activities into one comprehensive story about who we want to be as a country and how we get there.
• Opportunities for local and national organizing and actions.

“The Cultural Week of Action is a powerful reminder of the role arts and culture play in shaping our collective future, said Suzy Delvalle and Jamie Bennett Interim co-CEOs of Americans for the Arts, “Our goal is for individuals to view the arts as a source of meaningful response to the challenges that affect our national welfare. It is only possible to create a shared, national identity for our country by celebrating the stories, symbols, sounds, and sensations that represent our cultural heritage.”

Participation in the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy remains open to organizations who would still like to be part of this national week of action. Those organizations can add their projects to our activities map by submitting this form. 

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