Artistic Healing, Human Connection, and Community Transformation in Detroit and Beyond

This episode features Rob Johnson, President of the Institute for New Economic Thinking, in conversation with Ashley Monet and Brandon Victor Dixon, co-founders of the We Are Foundation. The discussion centers on the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as an "unmasking" event, revealing systemic failures and underscoring the critical importance of human connection. Monet and Dixon articulate their organization's mission to leverage the arts and advocacy as an "exponentially transformative force" for bridging societal gaps, breaking silos, and transcending differences, particularly in times of widespread despair and disruption.

The conversation delves into a broader philosophy of art, moving beyond its conventional definition to encompass a way of approaching life and developing personal skills. Dixon emphasizes the concept of "STEAM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) over "STEM," arguing that the arts provide the essential "why" behind technical endeavors, fostering human interaction and achievement. Historical and cultural examples such as Picasso's Guernica, "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Lean on Me," and "Hamilton the Musical" are cited to illustrate art's enduring power to inspire, educate, and transform generations, enabling society to seize narratives that focus on connection and unity rather than fear and division.

The discussion then zeroes in on Detroit as a poignant case study for artistic healing and community revitalization. The city's unique history and vibrant culture, where art (e.g., Motown) is deeply embedded in social exchange, make it an ideal platform for arts-driven narrative building. The speakers highlight the severe disparities within Detroit and the urgent need to restore both personal and collective agency in disenfranchised communities. They propose using art to combat feelings of powerlessness, encourage democratic participation, and address the "diseases of despair" that have plagued the city for generations, exacerbated by the current pandemic.

Practical insights include the creation of localized artistic content, the formation of artist coalitions, and the strategic use of active messaging to foster individual and collective capabilities. Monet and Dixon stress that art provides a unique "vehicle of communion," capable of conveying truth and fostering togetherness in ways that traditional information dissemination cannot. They draw parallels to the unifying power of gospel music and Motown, which historically facilitated profound exchanges between artists and communities, demonstrating how cultural expression can be a powerful catalyst for social change and collective healing.

your systems when your systems fail you what do you have you have the connections between human beings

the arts is the most exponentially transformative force when it comes to bridging gaps breaking silos and transcending difference

a poem a song or a play can transform a generation

we can create a narrative that focuses on fear and division or we can create a narrative that focuses on connection it focuses on what we did and what we do when things fell apart and fall apart around us

being an artist is is more about the the philosophy that you apply to your life and you apply to the development of your personal skills

stem is nothing without steam it's if we are honing technical skills they're worthless in this we can approach apply them to human interaction to human achievement to human growth

art informs you know the why that branding was talking about and informs our culture and our community

the beacon of light you see in the dark is our fair city rising from the night sky

using arts to remind people that we are together in this as opposed to all of us being a separate entity

the arts are the synthesis of the humanities right it's the science of the humanities history literature uh uh philosophy anthropology

the vehicle matters you know the vehicle of communion it will it it can be the difference between between understanding and not

the psychology that's revealed in gospel music has the characteristics that i'm listening to the two of you describe wanting to infuse into society