125: THE CETA ARTS REVOLUTION: What Can Today's Activist Artists & Organizers Learn from It?

Did you know the U.S. once launched a massive jobs program that empowered over 20,000 artists, and creative support staff—and then let it vanish from collective memory?For artists, educators, and community leaders seeking sustainable support for creative work, the forgotten story of the CETA Arts Program offers a powerful historical lesson. In a time of economic uncertainty, this 1970s initiative not only employed artists—it embedded them into the heart of local communities to spark cultural and social change.Discover how two artists-turned-historians uncovered the lost legacy of a program that transformed the lives of thousands of creativesLearn how government-backed art initiatives planted the seeds for enduring institutions like Brooklyn’s BACA Downtown and Philadelphia’s Painted Bride.Hear powerful stories of artists bridging divides, inspiring youth, and reshaping neighborhoods—lessons that resonate powerfully today.Tune in to uncover the hidden history of America’s largest investment in artists and why it still matters for the future of creative community work.Notable MentionsThis is a list of the key figures, events, organizations, and publications discussed in the podcast episode, offering pathways for further exploration into the legacy of the CETA Arts Program.PeopleVirginia Maksymowicz: An American sculptor known for installations that explore social issues, often incorporating the female form. She was a participant in the NYC CETA Artists Project and co-leads the CETA Arts Legacy Project.Blaise Tobia: A contemporary photographer and professor emeritus at Drexel University. Tobia documented the NYC CETA Artists Project and collaborates with Maksymowicz on the CETA Arts Legacy Project.Bill Cleveland: Host of the podcast “Change the Story / Change the World” and director of the Center for the Study of Art & Community.Richard Nixon: The 37th President of the United States, who signed the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) into law in 1973.Abe Beame: Mayor of New York City from 1974 to 1977, during the implementation of the CETA program.Ernie Green: Assistant Secretary of Labor who announced CETA funding allocations to New York City.Alan Lomax: Renowned folklorist and ethnomusicologist, referenced in the podcast for his approach to cultural documentation.Jane Goldberg: A tap dancer and historian who collaborated with fellow CETA artist Charles “Cookie” Cook.Charles “Cookie” Cook: A legendary tap dancer who partnered with Jane Goldberg during the CETA program.Ellsworth Ausby: An artist known for integrating sculpture with performance, who initiated...

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