Throughout history, in times when leadership is needed most, artists often rise to the challenge. They use their art to speak out about important issues, give a voice to unheard communities, and even teach us new ways of seeing the world. To explore how artistic expression intersects with advocacy and community, the LLI tapped into its network of diverse leaders. Four leaders in the arts share their perspectives on the power of art to spark change, along with historical and contemporary examples that demonstrate its impact.
Read more to discover how art can connect people with ideas and reflect the realities of our community.
Arts Transcend Cultures, Celebrating Shared Humanity
“The arts are an excellent means of cross-cultural communication. They speak to the human condition, highlighting our similarities more than our differences. Ana María Hernando’s ‘Nadar en el diluvio de aguas caldas (To Swim in the Deluge of Warm Waters),’ currently on view at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, celebrates the collective work of generations of unacknowledged women and manifests the feminine as joyful and inexorable. This resonates with me as a woman, as a Latina, as a professional, as a leader, as a daughter, as a sister, as an aunt, as a friend, and as a mentor. The feminine can be powerful and, simultaneously, warm and gentle – the two are not mutually exclusive. This is an important message and reminder for our community and society at large.”
Pauline Herrera
Vice Chair
Colorado Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (CCNMWA)
LLI Graduate
Latino-Directed Films Offer a Powerful Window Into the Realities of Migration
“So much of Latino art is rooted not only in the expression of ourselves but also in ways in which we let others know what is happening in our communities. There are two recent films that do this – ‘Noche de Fuego’ by Tatiana Huezo (Netflix) and ‘Border South’ by Raúl Paz Pastrana (currently on Apple+ and Amazon Prime). They take different yet similar approaches to the issues of migration that affect our community so profoundly and have done so for decades. They both get beyond the typical headlines and invite the audiences into the realities of our community with a front-row seat. Raúl is Denver-based, and all of us should know his work.”
Alan Dominguez
2-time Sundance Producer Fellow (2023-2025)
LLI Graduate
Through Shared Experience, Art Fosters Connection
“Community issues find powerful voices in art. When a concern grips a large group, artists often rise to the challenge. They reflect on the topic through their work by bringing awareness and highlighting the issue at hand through their artistic vision. The artist provides a lens that can capture the viewer in a different way than mainstream media, and as a result, can create a greater impact. In many forms, my artwork and jewelry represent the beauty and strength of Mexican culture and design. Many times Latinx people in the U.S. feel isolated. My intention is to create a large network of community that is connected by wearable pieces of art such as jewelry. My work also expands to support spaces for immigrant Latinx artisans and platforms where they can also share their creativity.”
Ana Marina Sanchez
Artist, Metalsmith, CEO
Ana Marina Studio
LEAP Entrepreneur
LLI Graduate
Artists Have Wielded Art as a Form of Resistance Throughout History
“Art has always been used as a form of resistance and to raise awareness of community issues. One of the beautiful things about street art and murals is that they provide a platform for underrepresented and repressed voices to express themselves in a public way. They are put on prominent display to demonstrate a community’s feelings toward issues by the artists who are insiders of the community – accessible to everyone, rather than being locked away in a gallery or museum. Likewise, other art forms such as music, poetry, prose, and performing arts serve as voices of the people and awaken our collective consciousness.
‘“Sueño de Una Tarde Dominical en el Parque Alameda’ (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central)’ by Mexican artist Diego Rivera resonates with me for its historical context. The mural serves as a powerful reminder of the codependent relationship between Mexico and the U.S., a history sometimes rooted in trauma and harm that continues to this day. Despite persistent anti-immigration sentiments and actions, artists continue to be powerful voices for their communities, echoing the revolutionary spirit of the past.’”
Rachel Garcia
Executive Director
Mexican Cultural Center in Denver
LLI Graduate
In Conclusion:
As we’ve seen, art is not merely a passive observer of social change; it’s a powerful force actively shaping it. From murals amplifying the voices of the marginalized to films illuminating the complexities of migration, artistic expression fosters understanding, sparks dialogue, and compels action.
The insights shared by these LLI graduates demonstrate the profound impact art can have on individuals and communities. Whether connecting us to the shared human experience, reflecting the realities of our neighborhoods, or providing a platform for resistance, art serves as a powerful tool for progress.
