Artists

What Are Cultural Workers?

This statement is from the 1979 Peace Calendar which opposed nuclear power and weapons. It was published by the Syracuse Peace Council. The statement holds up reasonably well after 45 years and, hopefully, answers a frequently asked question about SCW's name.

The term "cultural worker" may be new to some people. We use it to suggest several things. First, that the task of creating culture in a society is not the work of an elite, highly-paid few, which has become the case in our mass-market society; for example, if a restaurant needs a painting for its wall or a musician to entertain its customers, why not seek out the talents of local people rather than the highly-paid "notables that have made it"? Second, that people who create culture are legitimate workers who deserve to be recognized and valued for their work, not "patronized." Third, that the process of creation is based in a desire to improve the lives of people, not just to turn a profit. Fourth, that all of us, in some way, are capable of being cultural workers if we can only free ourselves from the "I'm not talented" paralysis that elitism and competition produce in our capitalist society.

The wonderful cultural workers that SCW works with deserve all of our support.

Artists

SCW has worked with well over 1,000 artists since our founding in 1982. We're always looking for new dynamic artists interested in collaboration to raise up the voices of those creating a more just and peaceful world.

Call for Art

We accept art and photography submissions year-round, though we work with more artists for our annual Peace Calendar and Women Artists Datebook. Check out our Call for Art page for details and deadlines. Profiled below are artists whose work is currently being sold in poster, card, or t-shirt form. As we extend this section we'll add artists, for example, whose work has only appeared in the Peace Calendar. This is one way we honor the cultural workers whose creativity brings inspiration and awe, coupled with progressive social change, into all our lives.