Change the Story Weather Report: A Neighborhood Cultural Center Navigates the MAGA Storm

Change the Story / Change the World

The MAGA storm system continues to exert a profound influence on community members, activist artists and cultural organizers living and working in Minneapolis' Powderhorn Central Community.

Bill Cleveland's dialogue with Noel Raymond reveals the complexities of navigating activism amidst the destabilizing forces fast moving Trumpian juggernaut. Raymond describes the fraught material emotional landscape faced by artists and cultural organizers, characterized by feelings of fear, rage, and disorientation.

Takeaways:

• Understand why the disorientation that we're all experiencing is used as a tactic to prevent resistance, and that recognizing this helps us stay grounded.
• Find out how an organization like Pillsbury House, uses the practice of sanctuary is a means of both safety and. And strategy.
• Learn how creating spaces of safety and joy and cultural expression can be a powerful form of defiance and that the communities stories, whether they're in small circles or on stage, are a lifeline.

Other Key Points:

And when people tell their truths without mediation, they build solidarity and power and the possibility of change.

The discussion emphasizes the critical need for community support and the importance of creating safe spaces for artistic expression.

Through the lens of Pillsbury House's mission, the conversation underscores the power of storytelling as a tool for resistance and empowerment. Raymond's insights into the organization's efforts to center marginalized voices, particularly during moments of heightened tension, illuminate the intersection of art and activism.

As the episode unfolds, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their roles within their communities and the ways in which they can contribute to building solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity. Ultimately, this episode serves as both a poignant commentary on the challenges of the present and an inspiring call to action for those seeking to effect meaningful change.

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Notable Mentions

In this episode, host Bill Cleveland sits down with Noel Raymond of Pillsbury House + Theatre to explore how artists and cultural organizers are navigating political backlash, erasure, and community survival in the heart of Minneapolis. Below is a curated list of the people, organizations, events, and references that came up during their powerful conversation.

People

Bill Cleveland: Host of Change the Story / Change the World and Director of the Center for the Study of Art and Community.

Noel Raymond: Senior Director of Narrative Arts and Culture at Pillsbury House + Theatre, leading narrative strategy and performance-based organizing.

Mike Hoyt: Artist and cultural organizer at Pillsbury House + Theatre, noted for his community work and collaboration with Noel.

Judy Munsen: Composer of the podcast’s original theme and soundscape.

Events & Social Movements

Trans Day of Visibility: Annual event on March 31 to honor and raise awareness for the transgender community.

Drag Story Hour: Inclusive storytelling events for children hosted by drag performers to celebrate diversity and creativity.

Day Without Immigrants: Protest movement where immigrants stay home from work to demonstrate their vital contributions to society.

Story Circles: A democratic storytelling process used for healing, organizing, and performance creation.

Free Southern Theater: Civil Rights-era Black theater company dedicated to raising consciousness and community power through storytelling facilitated by Story Clircles.

Organizations & Institutions

Pillsbury House + Theatre: Minneapolis-based community anchor blending social services with professional arts to serve and empower local residents.

KRSM Radio: Community radio station in South Minneapolis offering space for local voices and independent media.

Minnesota Department of Health: Mentioned in relation to recent public health program defunding impacting marginalized communities.

ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement): Federal agency referenced in relation to traumatic immigration enforcement activity.

Tufts University: Referenced for a student whose detention by ICE sparked community trauma and activism.

Full Cycle: Former Pillsbury House youth-focused bike shop and training space — site of Pillsbury House’s new community facility.

Center for the Study of Art and Community: Podcast producer and longtime supporter of arts-based civic work.

Media & Tools Referenced

Change the Story / Change the World Podcast: A series exploring the intersection of art, justice, and community transformation.

GoFundMe: Mentioned as a means of supporting continued community-based media and resistance efforts.

FreeSound.org: Source of audio effects used in the podcast production.

Want to go deeper into this episode? Listen to the full podcast here or support the project through the GoFundMe link in the show notes. Let’s keep these stories alive and amplified.*

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Change the Story / Change the World is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.