Does art have the power to create change? For Kristen van Ginhoven, former Artistic Director of WAM Theatre and current Executive Director of Project SAGE, the answer is an unequivocal “Yes!”
Founded in 2010, WAM Theatre’s mission is one driven by a mission of arts as activism — creating theatre for everyone that benefits women and girls by pairing each production with beneficiaries working for the advancement of gender equity around the world. Since its inception, WAM Theatre has contributed more than $90,000 to such organizations, exemplifying theatre’s potential as a vehicle for philanthropy.
Kristen continues this ethos in her new tenure at Project SAGE, which advocates for victims and survivors of relationship violence by challenging attitudes and beliefs about power, control, and gender norms. They provide support for individuals and families through support groups, legal advocacy, as well as emergency services such as a shelter and 24/7 crisis hotline.
In this episode, Kristen shares about her journey from theatre artist to activist, honoring our past while crafting our future with intention, and the power of art to inspire, build empathy, and catalyze personal and social transformation.
"We Rise" by Amanda Gorman Today, everyone’s eyes Are on us as we rise. Today is the day women Are paving the way, Speaking our truth to power. In this hour, it is our duty to find the brave beauty In rooting for other women So they too know we are not victims, We are victors, the greatest predictors of progress. We press for change, A new dawn drawn into the open By women whose silence is broken. We push on and act on Our responsibility to bring visibility To the most vulnerable: To bring freedom to those who didn’t have a choice, To bring volume to those who are using their voice. We clear a woman’s way, We don’t fear the day She steps into the light Because we are with her Every step of the fight. There’s a lot at stake, but making A difference always takes great courage. So we encourage women who dare to stare Fear square in its face, Women who’ve always shown That when one woman stands up She is never alone. We know that when she steps up to right a wrong, She will fight to bring others along To the network, into the conversation, Working together to change communities And nations for generations, our world Made all the stronger the longer Women are able to sit at the table. It is her strength, her story, and her spirit Which inspires other vital voices to speak up when they hear it. So let it be said that light will be shed When our world is led by leaders ahead of the headlines, the voices Who are first on the frontline, These women who stand up, knowing the wind Not by where it is, but where it is blowing, Leading worlds not by how society is But where change is going. We all leap forward when one woman tries, When she defies with her rallying cries. Here lies, but does not rest, the best Of tested women who call us all to rise, Speaking the truth in this finest hour: That to their own power, every single woman is entitled. But it’s how they empower others That makes women’s voices so vital.
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