In this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Ashraf and Jeff discuss the field building support of the Creative Youth Development (CYD) field of practice in the United states. Ashraf interviews Kaäthe Swaback from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Matt D’Arrigo from the Clare Rose Foundation and their work with the CYD Funders Forum. Ashraf and Jeff discuss definitions, multiple perspectives, power, and responsibilities to cultivate the conditions for this field to thrive! In this episode you’ll learn: How the many perspectives we bring from our past work can contribute to field-building a c ..read more

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Karla and Jeff discuss their approach to the fall and winter of harvesting and rest. Jeff shares his discussion with Natlie Elam and Bronwyn Mauldin about their new report “Agents of Change: Young Adult Advisory Councils at Arts and Culture Nonprofits.”  The discussion covers diverse topics of intergenerationality, intentionality, and our commitments to evolution. In this episode you’ll learn: The findings of a new report about young adult advisory councils in arts and culture organizations; How intergenerational research can be conducted su ..read more

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Ashraf and Jeff discuss their latest news and how we remain connected as colleagues. Jeff shares his conversation with Dr. Peter O‘Connor from the Centre for the Arts and Social Transformation at the University of Auckland. They discuss the role of the arts in human development, recovery, and wellbeing. Ashraf and Jeff conclude their thoughts and intergenerationality, the role of the arts in schools, and the social responsibility of evolving our communities.  In this episode you’ll learn: About the role of the arts in social transformation ..read more

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Madeleine and Jeff discuss their change of personal and professional seasons, including Madeleine’s cross-sector work. Jeff shares his interview with Lisa Donovan which covers a broad array of topics from arts integration to community development, network building, and even professional learning. Madeleine and Jeff discuss the asset-based approaches of cross-sector work, the strength of practitioners at the intersections, and inherent knowledge of rural communities. In this episode you’ll learn: The expansive role of the arts intersecting with num ..read more

During this episode of Why Change? Jeff shares some reflections about the resilience of the creative community in his home state of Maine in the wake of recent tragedy. He interviews longtime arts education leader and advocate, Argy Nestor, who shares reflections on changemaking at the local, state, and international levels. They reflect on working together, perseverance, and a commitment to investing in people and relationships. In this episode you’ll learn: How the arts are naturally integrated into our teaching, learning, and ways of life; Ways to center relationships in cultivating the ..read more

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Rachael and Jeff discuss their upcoming work plans. Rachael shares her interview with theater-maker Kady Robinson. They discuss Kady’s work exploring gender fluidity in contrast with growing up in Australian military culture. Rachael and Jeff unpick the implications of challenging work with young creatives and the programs which support them. In this episode you’ll learn: How intersectional social identities can be explored through art-making; The ways programs support and protect young creatives challenging dominant narratives in their work; and ..read more

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Rachael and Jeff discuss their upcoming work and big ideas. Jeff shares his interview with Antonio Cuyler, an arts administration educator, researcher, and musician focused on achieving creative justice through access, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Rachael and Jeff discuss the value of multi-hyphenated perspectives in dialogues on the topic and how we work together to advance a common racial justice agenda. In this episode you’ll learn: Ways that the cultural and creative sector can protect the creative justice of marginalized people; How pra ..read more

In this episode of Why Change?, co-hosts Madeleine and Jeff share their recent creative endeavors and what they’ve learned from recent podcast guests. Madeleine shares her interview with Michael Rohd about his work at the intersection of artistic and civic practice. They discuss the intersection of arts and other sectors, working in systemic change, and centering those most impacted. In this episode you’ll learn: Strategies to make the case for the arts engagement in the civil sector cross-sectorally; How to use your (and others!) practice to balance systems change while authentically enga ..read more

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Ashraf and Jeff discuss the season of change in their work. Jeff shares his interview with Porché Hardy, an arts program officer from the Wallace Foundation. They discuss the changing landscape and processes of philanthropy towards more equitable giving; primarily through humble curiosity. Ashraf and Jeff think about the implications for the broader field of arts, culture, and creativity funding in the U.S.  In this episode you’ll learn: How funding processes can be more equitable for a variety of funders; Why listening, learning, and flexib ..read more

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Madeleine and Jeff discuss their work related to advocacy for teaching artists and systems change. Madeleine shares her interview with Gowri Savoor, a teaching artist focused on empathy and relationship building through community arts projects, especially for climate change. The discussion connects narrative building to arts-research to advocacy strategies and how we learn them! In this episode you’ll learn: How the arts can cultivate empathy in relationships between people, places, and the planet; The ways we can use our multihyphenate identitie ..read more