IN THE NEWS:
By us,
and about us
We didn’t like the news, so we went out and made some of our own...
Articles by our Beautiful Trouble team
Unf*ck the vote! 3 ways creative action can win the election
October 24, 2020
Beautiful Trouble’s guide to winning the numbers game, defending democracy and challenging business as usual to build the future we deserve.
From fringe idea to law of the land — a look inside the creativity fueling the struggle to defund the police
June 15, 2020
Beautiful Trouble examines the principles and theories guiding this growing insurrection in defense of Black lives.
HOLY SH*T! 7 things to do instead of hoarding toilet paper
March 17, 2020
Beautiful Trouble’s irreverent guide to activism in the time of pandemic.
Articles about our Beautiful Trouble team
Antisemitic conspiracies flew before extremists breached U.S. Capitol
January 6, 2021
Nadine Bloch, a veteran Jewish activist and member of Beautiful Trouble, said she has been protesting in D.C. for decades and was once arrested for yelling in the Senate gallery.“This is about the authorities failing to do their job and protect our Constitution and our limited democratic process,” Bloch said. “This is a case where the system has failed us.”
"Beautiful trouble" Workshop by Nadine Bloch
May 16, 2019
On Wednesday, May 15, LCC community had the opportunity to participate in the workshop “Beautiful Trouble” by Nadine Bloch. During the workshop Nadine showed some of the most innovative tactics used in struggles against autocracy and austerity, as well as insights about best practices that come from progressive campaigns globally.
Pranks as Political Activism: From the Yippies to TikTok
July 29, 2020
Offering a vehicle for active participation rather than passive reception of contemporary politics and culture, “Humor,” as Boyd explains, “is a great equalizer. It can puncture the aura of authority. It can pull the wealthy, powerful, and pretentious down into the mud where the rest of us live.”
Protest and Survive!
July 9, 2020
Nadine Bloch from Beautiful Trouble and Folabi Olagbaju from Greenpeace write in Waging Nonviolence that “the unfolding insurrection has been a master class in creative protest,” racking up reforms that just a few months ago would have seemed impossible and serving as a model for us all. Bloch and Olagbaju point out that such massive demonstrations could happen only because “Black-led organizations and networks were already in place and ready to lead.”
How Can Artists Use Their Practice to Support Urgent Social Causes?
July 7, 2020
"Start small, brainstorm with organizations and other artists, and believe in your work." Art historian Mary Jo Aagerstoun recommends seeking out training. "Some organizations that are particularly good at working with artists to amplify their purpose include Backbone Campaign and Beautiful Trouble.” She notes that these groups offer training through Facebook and extensive information on their websites.
The Accidental Occupation of Seattle
June 18, 2020
He coined the term “temporary autonomous zone” in 1990, which nonviolent revolutionary art educators Beautiful Trouble define as “an alternative to traditional modes of revolution, the T.A.Z. is an uprising that creates free, ephemeral enclaves of autonomy in the here-and-now.”
Amid COVID-19, Hotels Are Hosting Florists and Red Cross Responders
June 16, 2020
“When the pandemic struck, we knew we had to start to take our online platforms more seriously,” says Sebi Medina-Tayac, the hotel’s Director of Impact. He and his colleagues acted fast, scheduling a project called Beautiful Trouble, which focused on revolutionary impact, on the brand’s Instagram Live. Eighty or so people tuned in, slightly more than would have attended in person, and the team were encouraged. “Digital is a smart platform for us because people are looking for meaningful experiences without having to physically show up somewhere,” he says.