The Division of the Arts is thrilled to announce the Spring 2023 Artivism Student Action Program (ASAP) funding recipients. Founded in 2021 and available to UW–Madison students in any year or major of study, ASAP supports projects or collective actions that use the arts as a force for social change.
“ASAP is a vital resource to students, now more than ever. Out of necessity, our students of color are creating spaces where new futures and future leaders are shaped – a space where they establish new roots; a space where they belong.” says Chris Walker, Division of the Arts Director. “Belonging goes beyond inclusion to mean that individuals feel grounded, valued and involved in shaping their communities, as well as empowered to express their needs and receive care. There is something magical about knowing that you are participating in shaping a future that is going to be better for those who come after you.” He continues, “ASAP plays just a small part in removing barriers to event and programming facilitation, and addressing the unique needs of this generation of students.”
Projects received a total of $4,000 in funding in the spring semester, including: a community-building arts performance celebrating underrepresented communities on campus; two literary publications; and a creative writing workshop series for youth in local juvenile detention centers. A total of $12,200 was awarded through ASAP during the 2022-23 academic year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
“The Artivism Student Action Program review committee and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of ASAP recipients’ collective hard work and dedication as we continue to foster arts engagement and activism on campus,” said Nicholas Santas, a 2023 Master of Arts – Business in Creative Enterprise Leadership student and Division of the Arts Graduate Assistant.
Please join the Division of the Arts in congratulating the third cohort of ASAP award recipients. The following funded projects exemplify the breadth and creativity of art and activism that ASAP continues to support.
Formless: An Artivism Concert” | Madelyn Vilker in partnership with the Social Justice Hub and Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee
Now in its second year, “Formless” exemplifies the intersections of art and activism by supporting underrepresented identities and giving them a space to perform. The March 2023 showcase included spoken word, dancers, musicians, designers and artists of other mediums to foster community-building through art.
“Let It Burn” | Diya Abbas
In collaboration with the Madison Public Library’s Teen Bubbler Program, this project presents a series of writing workshops for middle and high school students in local juvenile detention centers, using creative writing and poetry as a therapeutic tool they can carry with them throughout their lives.
“Madison Journal of Literary Criticism, Spring 2023 edition” | Ria Dhingra for Madison Journal of Literary Criticism
The theme of this issue of the “Madison Journal of Literary Criticism” is “Renaissance.” As an abolitionist effort, the publication aims to inspire and encourage readers to use art as the creative basis to reimagine and re-invent institutions of harm.
“The Issue 002” | Robyn George for The Issue
“The Issue,”a student-run organization and publication on the UW–Madison campus covering style, arts, culture and current events, presents their second issue, “Land Acknowledgement,” in collaboration with a number of Indigenous student artists and student organizations to advance more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible community practices on campus.
The 2022-23 ASAP funding is made possible by the generous support of the Evjue Foundation, the charitable arm of “The Capital Times” newspaper. For more information on the program, email asap@arts.wisc.edu or visit go.wisc.edu/UWASAP.