Weaving Arts and Culture into the Solidarity Economy

Ebony Gustave and Robin Bean Crane

What becomes possible when artists and culture workers are intentionally integrated into the organizing process? How do we shift from transactional relationships to honoring them as co-organizers? In this interactive workshop, we will explore best practices and share stories where art has deepened the transformative powers of the work we do.

Ebony is an organizer, community architect, and storyteller. They are the host of Cooperative Journal podcast, an archive of interviews highlighting international examples of the solidarity economy. As a co-steward of its multimedia umbrella, they are bridging the gaps between political education, imagination, co-creation, and actualization.

Robin is a multimedia storyteller, solidarity economy nerd, and tender plant tender. With a focus on film, animation, and participatory media they spotlight community-driven solutions, working with organizations to shift narratives in support of a more regenerative economy where all can thrive. They are queer and have ancestors from north and west Europe, now home-making on Ohlone Land, Oakland, CA.