Rationalizing the Irrational: Profiling the Role of Art Organizations Who Help Challenge Gentrification & Related Social Issues

In previous research artists have been identified and blamed as influential agents in causing gentrification, despite efforts made by artists and art organizations to offset gentrification. Contrarily this paper uses historical analysis and qualitative data from interviews to examine the role of arts organizations whose mission involves challenging gentrification and related social issues. The findings demonstrate their potential for success as social movement organizations as defined by Stern & Seifert in their paper, Irrational Organizations. Further examination of their creative processes, relationships with partners and supporters, and their commitment to mobilization reveal that at their best these organizations are able to use art to prioritize their mission, maintain structure as a solid foundation for prioritizing the people it serves, and incorporate mobilization as a tool for advancing its efforts against gentrification and related social injustice in a manner that corresponds best with its capacity and its mission.%%%%M.S., Arts Administration  – Drexel University, 2014