Artists Organize Nationwide Protests Against Trump
Artists and cultural organizations from all over the United States are gearing up for a series of protests aimed at President Donald Trump, whom they believe exemplifies “authoritarian forces.” The event, referred to as “Fall of Freedom,” will feature a range of prominent figures, including artists like Marilyn Minter and Robert Longo, directors Ava DuVernay and Michael Moore, author Jennifer Egan, and musician Amanda Palmer. This demonstration is scheduled for the weekend of November 21.
The organizers claim that “our democracy is under attack,” stating their intent to “celebrate the experiences, cultures, and identities that make up the fabric of our country” and to “spark a creative resistance across the nation.”
Participating groups span a variety of venues, including art galleries, theaters, comedy clubs, and libraries. Among the notable institutions involved are the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art and the Leslie-Lohman Museum in New York, along with cultural organizations like the Brooklyn Public Library and the Dallas Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as the Woolly Mammoth Theater Company in Washington, D.C.
“This action is an artistic expression,” commented playwright Lynn Nottage, one of the folks behind the protests. “Representation is a crucial element of the American narrative, and it must not be suppressed or silenced.”
Nottage, along with co-organizer visual artist Dred Scott, characterized these upcoming protests as an “urgent call to the art community to come together against the authoritarian trends in our society.”
Importantly, the organizers are encouraging wide participation by providing “loose guidelines.” For instance, they suggest that bookstores could host drag queen storytimes and showcase books that have been labeled “banned,” which many activists are keen to introduce to children.
“It’s vital for us as storytellers to make our voices heard,” Nottage added.
Asuka Hisa, director of learning and participation at ICA Los Angeles, likened the forthcoming “Freedom Autumn” protests to the peculiar “No Kings” demonstrations, emphasizing, “This isn’t your typical street march.”
“This protest manifests through art, culture, and engagement with pressing contemporary issues,” Hisa remarked.
