Activating the Decolonization Rider – A powerful tool toward equitable practices and futures for artists, organizers, and institutions
In 2021 Emily Johnson published “A Letter I Hope in the Future, Doesn’t Need to be Written” so that artsworkers, audiences, presenters, funders, and the broader public could examine what exists in publicly funded cultural institutions: deeply embedded, structural, intently racist and systemically harmful institutionalized practices that govern and police creativity, expression, gatherings, bodies, cultures, and sovereignty. Not long after, she authored Catalyst’s Decolonization Rider—a living document that is used as a core aspect of her artistic practice, institutional change work, and decolonial strategies. It considers many areas including policing, Indigenous knowledge protection, disclosures of possessions stolen from Indigenous communities, and more. It has become a powerful tool to protect artists, their work and collaborators, and for institutions to begin or deepen decolonization processes.
In this Studies Project we will ask questions such as: How can artists utilize the Decolonization Rider to ensure safe and justice centered engagements with cultural institutions? How can it be used as a tool for accompliceship? How do presenting organizations start their necessary decolonization work? A working session with Emily Johnson and Catalyst’s Decolonization Rider Analyst and Strategist, Leomary Rodriguez, this Studies Project will include a guided introduction to the Rider, access to multilingual resources, opportunity to discuss the Rider as a living document and community-building efforts centered on artist empowerment, storytelling, and strategy.
We’ll delve into all of the above as well as research generated from our ongoing Decolonization Assessment: What changes have we seen in the field? What persists as perceived challenges toward decolonization? And what are some brilliant success stories?
For event-related questions, please email studiesproject@movementresearch.org.
Accessibility Notes
- This event includes auditive guidance.
- This event includes a text/images/video shared on a large screen tv.
- This event includes printed materials and digital readings.
To request ASL interpretation or Audio Description, please email accessibility@movementresearch.org, subject line “ASL/Audio Description Request, Studies Project ” at least three (3) weeks prior to the event date.
For access-related questions and requests, please contact accessibility@movementresearch.org, subject line “Studies Project.”
