Right now there is an organization within an alternative space in Harvard Square that needs help. The Papercut Zine Library [ website | myspace ] is essentially an archive of 12,000 underground publications from the last three decades or so. The space it's occupied since it's 2004 opening is known as The Democracy Center. Due to the economic crisis, it appears that the Democracy Center is most likely not going to last at it's current location through the end of the year. This means that Papercut is looking to find a new home, and although the small collective of organizers have been pushing to create a solution, they can always use additional help.
I was really shocked when I attended their meeting last week when I realized that there were only two individuals at the meeting who self-identify as artists: one of whom was myself. I feel that activism is an art form; as it requires clear intentionality, utilizes creative processes to actualize intentions, and requires the rigorous use of creativity in doing so. It's a shame that social action isn't offered as a course (or several kinds of courses) at SMFA, but this does not mean that it is not/has not been/cannot be regarded as a legitimate art form.
If you are interested in pooling your creativity and intellect with Papercut, e-mail me or contact Papercut via its website/Myspace.
