East Austin Book

Art activism has historically been and still is today, more than ever, a powerful outlet for the local community of East Cesar Chavez. The art culture and atmosphere reflect and communicate what this neighborhood stands for and expresses its personality. To extend this exploration of art’s role in activism in East Cesar Chavez, I dove deeper into the art galleries and non-profit art organizations of the neighborhood, including the Resistencia Bookstore. I analyzed how their history and contributions bring different communities together for meaningful dialogue regarding social change and justice, while promoting diversity and equality in the arts. I wanted to personally start an ongoing conversation with these non-profit art galleries and organizations to understand and hear about their role in spreading the influence of art activism. Inspired from the cultural arts community, I wrote a few of my own pieces of poetry to reinforce the fierce, persistent activist spirit that has been rooted in the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood for decades.