Description

The Art of Social Justice

This article outlines why leaders should direct public funds to artists to help solve our modern urban ills. Certain neighborhoods experience a disproportionate share of family upheaval, death, disease and injury. Research has shown that addressing the root causes of health inequities, such as social isolation and prejudice, can reduce years of avoidable life lost and help communities build themselves. History has shown that art has often been the underpinning of social change. This article gives examples and develops one model of how government could utilize our most creative capital to promote social justice, mitigate disparities, and build healthy neighborhoods.

community art, social inequality, poverty, public health, health disparities

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 34, No. 1 (2007): 5-11