What if the secret to revitalizing today’s creative workforce lies in a forgotten 1970s government program?

In a time when society urgently seeks sustainable ways to support artists and strengthen communities, in this episode, the second of two, we revisit the CETA Arts Program—a bold experiment that transformed artists into public servants. You’ll hear how this unexpected initiative is influencing today’s creative policy landscape and how its legacy is being reimagined in pandemic-era artist relief efforts.

• Learn how CETA’s community-centered structure inspired programs like Creatives Rebuild New York, blending public service with creative employment.
• Discover the crucial real-world skills—like negotiation, humility, and adaptability—that artists must master but never learn in art school.
• Hear compelling personal stories of missteps, breakthroughs, and the often invisible work of artists who repair, reimagine, and rebuild community infrastructure.

Notable Mentions:

Here’s alist of People, Events, Organizations, and Publications mentioned in the episode, each with a brief description and clickable links to learn more. P

1. People

• Virginia Maksymowicz – Sculptor, longtime CETA artist (1978–1979), and co-director of the CETA Arts Legacy Project based in Philadelphia
• Blaise Tobia – Photographer, CETA participant documenting the NYC project, professor at Drexel, and co-director of the CETA Arts Legacy Project
• Ted Berger – Arts advocate, former Executive Director of NYFA, and early leader in NYC’s CETA program
• John Kreidler – Architect of San Francisco’s first CETA Artists program in 1974, helped shape putting federal funds into art
• Ruth Asawa – Renowned sculptor and educator who helped launch the first CETA Arts experiment in San Francisco
• Sarah Calderón – Director of Creatives Rebuild New York who consulted with Virginia and Blaise on CETA models
• Molly Garfinkel – City Lore archivist who has supported the CETA Arts Legacy Project since 2017

• CETA Artists Project (1978–1979) – Part of the federal Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, this was the largest artist employment initiative since the WPA. Artists served in community centers, schools, prisons—and shaped public life through art
• CETA Arts Legacy Project – An initiative by former CETA artists (Virginia, Blaise, and others) to document and preserve the CETA movement across the U.S. beginning around 2016–2017
• Creatives Rebuild New York (2021–2024) – A $125 million pandemic-era initiative combining artist employment slots and guaranteed income to support creative workers in New York

• Cultural Council Foundation (CCF) – NYC nonprofit that administered the CETA Artists Project, matching artists to community assignments
• City Lore / Place Matters – NYC-based organization that partnered with the CETA Arts Legacy Project to provide institutional support
• New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) – National arts service organization where Ted Berger was Executive Director
• Tides Center – Fiscal sponsor for Creatives Rebuild New York
• Foundation for the Community of Artists (FCA) – Managed documentation of the CETA Artists Project, including Artworkers News publication

• The Gift by Lewis Hyde – A classic reflection on the gift economy and why creativity transcends commodification; cited as an essential text for artists in the episode
• Artworkers News – A newsletter later renamed Art & Artists, published by FCA during the first CETA year to document artist assignments

Change the Story / Change the World is a podcast that chronicles the power of art and community transformation, providing a platform for activist artists to share their experiences and gain the skills and strategies they need to thrive as agents of social change.

Through compelling conversations with artist activists, artivists, and cultural organizers, the podcast explores how art and activism intersect to fuel cultural transformation and drive meaningful change. Guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of community arts, socially engaged art, and creative placemaking, offering insights into artist mentorship, building credibility, and communicating impact.

Episodes delve into the realities of artist isolation, burnout, and funding for artists, while celebrating the role of artists in residence and creative leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive world. Whether you’re an emerging or established artist for social justice, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of solidarity in the journey toward art and social change.