Chris Edwards’ Post

Our Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) Division announced today that 25 artists and arts organizations across Colorado have been awarded Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grants, from Archuleta to Larimer counties and Huerfano to Denver counties. Learn more about how these grants will help preserve, celebrate and document the local artistic traditions and heritage of unique Colorado communities. 👇 https://lnkd.in/gppEdji9

Replacing Confederate monuments with statues of civil rights activists allows communities to correct the historical narrative by honoring those who fought for equality and justice rather than those who defended slavery and white supremacy. Confederate monuments were often erected during the Jim Crow era as symbols of resistance to racial equality, and their presence continues to perpetuate the legacy of racism and oppression. By replacing them with monuments to civil rights activists, society can celebrate the progress made towards justice and inspire future generations to continue that work. John Lewis symbolizes the ongoing struggle for civil rights and human dignity. Honoring him acknowledges the contributions of Black Americans and other marginalized groups in building the nation. Replacing Confederate monuments with those of civil rights leaders promotes healing and reconciliation. It sends a powerful message that the community is committed to moving forward, united by shared values of equality and justice rather than division and hate. This transformation of public spaces can help to create environments where all citizens feel respected and valued.

👏👏This is so true. But there’s more, isn’t there? There is a growing body of evidence that creative education - music, dance, fine art - any creative thing you do physically and engage with emotionally - improves neuroplasticity. The ‘arts and wellbeing’ argument is established and well-understood. The arts recharge us, enable us to ‘keep calm and carry on.’ They inspire us. They also create jobs, opportunity and contribute significantly to research and innovation. Surely anything that makes us healthier, more resilient, more productive and more creative is good for the economy?! Governments habitually invest in ‘critical infrastructure’ - roads, bridges, full-fibre broadband… Well the arts are infrastructure too. Fund the arts as they should be funded and the economy will flourish too.

This blog post truly reflects our profound learning experience in Montgomery, Alabama. It truly reflected our mission of “Leadership for Just and Humane Schools” at the National Superintendents Roundtable. What a power symposium!

Today and every day, we honor the original inhabitants of the land we occupy and call home. There are nearly 70,000 Native descendants from over 380 tribes living in this region today. We acknowledge the colonization of Indigenous land and the discriminatory history of housing. These injustices excluded, silenced, and exploited Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and other marginalized communities and continue to cause harm today. We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live and equitable access to housing. We commit to justice, equity, and leveraging our collective duty as stewards of this land - https://lnkd.in/gRFWRswz

Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the U.S., is a profound celebration of freedom and resilience. Its significance extends beyond American borders, symbolizing the universal struggle for human rights and equality. As we honor Juneteenth, we recognize the ongoing fight against injustice worldwide and reaffirm our commitment to a future where liberty and dignity are upheld for all people, everywhere.   The National Museum of African American History and Culture notes, “The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times.”     If you would like to learn more about Juneteenth, head to the link here: https://buff.ly/3l5jJhH

Catch our new #Rays podcast at the link below #raysup #heretostay

We’re celebrating! Arts for LA has received a grant from The Music Man Foundation. The Strengthening the Sector funds will help Arts for LA work to permanently change the decline in creative worker jobs and arts funding since 2021, advocating for restored funding, the next generation of art leaders, and new jobs for underrepresented creative workers in LA County.

🎉 Exciting News! Today marks a monumental step forward for the arts community in Colorado! Empowered, Ltd. Consulting Services is thrilled to have collaborated with the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) to successfully launch Colorado’s first Arts Policy Framework! 🎨✨ Our team worked with artists, creatives and arts advocates across the state to capture policy ideas that not only addresses current needs but also paves the way for a sustainable and inclusive future for the arts. This framework supports advancing Colorado's creative industry which hopes to enhance the economy and society at large. We invite everyone to explore this framework, join the conversation, and support this transformative journey for Colorado’s creative industry. #ColoradoArts #Empoweredltd #ArtsPolicyFramework #CulturalAdvancement

The significance of this day and its legacy is never lost on me as I continue to learn and work to be better. It's not just a day of celebration but a call to action for all of us. In marketing and media, I consider it a big responsibility to amplify diverse perspectives and invest in platforms that support this crucial dialogue. Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States, is a reminder of the resilience and contributions of Black communities throughout history. Yet, despite these contributions, Black voices continue to be underrepresented and misrepresented in our culture and media. You don’t need to be too aware to see what research shows us, that Black Americans often face stereotypes in media portrayals, and their stories are frequently marginalized or overlooked entirely - even today. As marketers, we hold the power to reshape this narrative. By consciously investing in Black-owned media outlets and inclusive storytelling, we can help elevate these essential voices and foster a more equitable society. It's about more than just representation; it's about genuinely listening and reflecting diverse experiences in the work we do. Learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History and Culture https://lnkd.in/ewYsmBsz. Let's all commit to being part of the change.