RESOURCES
DEFINITION OF TERMS
ARTIST DISRUPTORS
are artists who are rooted in community, who inspire action, and who are working at the intersection of art and social justice. Artist Disruptors are able to powerfully manifest narratives into stories and visuals that speak directly to their audiences and communities. They help us question our assumptions, envision alternative futures, and inspire us to work toward the future we need.
CULTURE BEARERS
are embodiments of narrative, connecting our past to our future. “They represent an embedded presence in place, community trust and mutual support.” They are cultural stewards and help us understand traditional ways of knowing and creating as paths to community health and healing.
Traditional Culture Bearers come from and inform cultural communities of practice, representing generations of stewardship, and knowledge transmission.
Tradition-Based Culture Bearers are based in the same cultural communities of practice, but engage as subject matter through a mix of heritage and new methodologies.
NARRATIVE
An array of related & connected stories and messages on a particular subject, issue, or problem. They suggest causes, problems and solutions. We interpret stories and messages through them. Narratives evoke emotion, offer analysis, and suggest action; they tell us how we should feel, think, and act. Narrative is the level at which society moves.
CULTURAL STRATEGY
An underlying belief that transmits a value. Deep Narratives provide the logic for a worldview, and manifest as a “core belief” or “gut instinct” that guide people to determine whether something is right or wrong. Some people refer to them as mindsets, meta-narratives, or mental models.
DEEP NARRATIVE
A set of deep narratives that, taken together, create a worldview.
NARRATIVE SYSTEM
The praxis of using stories, messages, and narratives in a purposeful way to move people toward the narratives, deep narratives, and worldviews we want to advance
NARRATIVE STRATEGY
A Cultural Strategy is a practice that leverages the catalytic and emotional power of culture and the arts to shift attitudes, behaviors, resources, narratives and power.
Read “Constellations: An Interview on Radical Investment for Transformative Narrative Power” written for Grantmakers in the Arts
Photo from 2019 Abuelita’s Remedios - La Cultura Cura Health Fair in East Los Angeles, courtesy of Joel Garcia, Meztli Projects.
NARRATIVE & CULTURAL STRATEGY THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Narrative System & Values
Definition of Terms
Celestial Navigation: How to Fund Culture Change in the U.S. (Founding Design Team, 2020)
Weaving Forward Report (ArtChangeUS, 2022)
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