The Time is Now

<p class=ql-align-justify>High school students teachers community members and leaders come together in this innovative book to share the profound influence of artmaking and justice-oriented work. Authors paint vibrant images of being empowered and engaging in social change. Throughout their art-based meaning making authors pose critical questions and unlock possibilities. Their first-tellings regarding the power of art provide readers with a lens to understand how they navigate injustices they endure and ways in which artmaking is a vehicle for transformation. Their artmaking is a call for change. </p><p class=ql-align-justify> </p><p class=ql-align-justify>Authors emphasize how artmaking bridges relationships and brings diverse community members together with purpose. Together they engage in new understandings of self and other. Authors identify how their arts-based collaborations publicly showcase their justice-oriented work but more importantly promote possibility and hope. Youth explore how artmaking plays a vital role in promoting collective efficacy and engaging diverse communities in social transformation. </p><p class=ql-align-justify> </p><p>Artmaking mobilizes people. And once activated these authors utilize their newly cultivated communities to foster justice-oriented work throughout schools and communities. Their justice-oriented artmaking affords community members opportunities to respond in new ways by embracing community strengths and students' lived experiences. This authentic collaboration empowers the artmaker and community to promote justice-oriented work and practices centered on diversity and inclusivity. </p>