Art and Organizing: A Love Story

Aja Monet and Phillip Agnew share their journey of love, art, and activism. They discuss their backgrounds, how they met, and their collaborative efforts in using art as a tool for social change. Through their work at Smoke Signals Studio, they emphasize the importance of community and the transformative power of art in organizing and activism. Their story highlights the intersection of art and politics, and how it can inspire change and foster connections.

What was Phillip Agnew's initial exposure to music and organizing?

• Through his father's sermons and Florida A&M University

• By attending concerts in Chicago

• From his mother's lullabies

• During his high school band practice

How did Aja Monet first get involved with poetry?

• By attending poetry slams in college

• Through her mother's influence

• Through Urban Word NYC and the Black Arts movement

• By writing songs for a local band

What was the main focus of Aja and Phillip's discussions in Palestine?

• The role of art in politics

• The best places to visit in Palestine

• The history of Palestinian culture

• The economic situation in Palestine

What did Aja and Phillip establish in Miami?

• A community center for children

• A political campaign office

• A new art gallery

• A home for radical imagination

What is the purpose of Smoke Signals Studio?

• To sell art supplies

• To offer art classes

• To provide a refuge for artists and organizers

• To host art exhibitions

How do Aja and Phillip view the relationship between art and organizing?

• Art is an accessory to organizing

• Art is less important than organizing

• Art is a separate entity from organizing

• Art is an anchor and integral to organizing

What transformation did the weekly poetry series bring?

• It led to new art styles

• It created a new political party

• It increased local tourism

• It transformed the lives of incarcerated men

What was the Maroon Poetry Festival's main achievement?

• It introduced new poetry styles

• It raised funds for local schools

• It honored radical truth-telling artists

• It was the largest festival in the city

What is the 'Freedom Papers' vision focused on?

• People over profits

• Environmental conservation

• Technological advancement

• Economic growth

What is the ultimate goal of art as organizing according to Aja and Phillip?

• To inspire change and dialogue

• To create beautiful art pieces

• To generate revenue

• To entertain the masses