Amplify Democracy

This project asks: How can creativity make democracy more participatory, inclusive, and emotionally resonant?

Through the stories of four remarkable artists working across violin, voice, painting, and graffiti, Amplify Democracy highlights how art can serve as a bridge by connecting communities to conversations about voting, representation, and civic life.

What began as a question about the role of the arts in public life has become a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the power of collective expression.

We are excited to gather artists, students, and community members, especially those based in Newark to experience this work together and engage in meaningful conversation.

Bio:

Cleopatra Charles is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Rutgers University, where she has been since 2010. Her research delves into the intricacies of nonprofit financial sustainability, exploring innovative approaches to fundraising, budgeting, and risk management. She is dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of financial strategies within arts and cultural nonprofit organizations. Charles is coauthor of Financial Leadership for the Arts: Sustainable Strategies for Creative Organizations (UNC Press,2024). She has given numerous invited talks and seminars nationally and internationally and is a founder of a nonprofit and consultant to several national and international nonprofit organizations.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Express Newark