Can Art Build a Movement?

Life in motion: Bearden captures the vibrancy of Black urban life in Harlem.

What role does art play in shaping communities? Is it simply a reflection of the world, or can it actively transform society?

For Romare Bearden, art was never just about individual expression—it was about collective action, dialogue, and social change. A towering figure in 20th-century American art, Bearden saw creativity as a tool for community building, cultural empowerment, and activism.

From co-founding the Spiral Group, which sought to define the role of Black artists during the Civil Rights Movement, to his lifelong dedication to mentorship, art education, and institutional inclusion, Bearden’s impact extends far beyond his vibrant collages. Today, the Romare Bearden Foundation continues his work through programs like the Cinque Artist Talks, fostering conversations on art, identity, and social justice.

But what made Bearden’s approach unique? And how can we learn from his belief in the power of community-driven art?

Spiral: Art & Activism in the Civil Rights Era

In 1963, as the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, a group of Black artists gathered in Bearden’s New York City studio to discuss a pressing question:

What role should artists play in the fight for racial equality?

This meeting led to the formation of Spiral, a collective that sought to explore how art could contribute to social change. Founding members included renowned artists such as Norman Lewis, Charles Alston, Hale Woodruff, and Emma Amos—all deeply engaged with the challenges of race, identity, and artistic representation.

A visual meditation on ancestry, identity, and the Middle Passage.

Why “Spiral”?

The group took its name from the Archimedean Spiral, a symbol of growth and continuity. Bearden and his peers saw their work as part of a long tradition of Black artists shaping history while pushing forward into new creative territory.

Collage as a Political Statement

While Spiral members debated whether art should be explicitly political, Bearden’s own work took a decisive turn. He began experimenting with collage, a method that allowed him to piece together fragments of Black life, history, and memory. His 1964 series “Projections”, which enlarged his collages into photostat prints, became a groundbreaking visual representation of the Black experience in America.

Bearden understood that the struggle for justice wasn’t just fought in the streets—it was also fought in imagery, representation, and cultural storytelling. His collages reclaimed Black identity, challenging stereotypes and offering deeply textured narratives of everyday life.

Though Spiral disbanded in 1965, its legacy as a pioneering Black artist collective lives on. The group proved that artists could do more than reflect history—they could shape it.

Mentorship & Art Education: A Lifelong Commitment

Bearden wasn’t just an artist—he was a mentor, advocate, and educator. Throughout his career, he worked to uplift young, emerging Black artists, ensuring they had access to the same opportunities he had fought for.

Championing Institutional Inclusion

Bearden recognized that Black artists were often excluded from major institutions. He fought for their recognition in galleries and museums, pushing for more inclusive exhibitions and greater representation in the art world.

His efforts helped pave the way for the inclusion of Black artists in major institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Whitney Museum, and The Studio Museum in Harlem.

Supporting the Next Generation

Bearden’s commitment to mentorship extended beyond advocacy—he actively supported young artists, providing guidance, funding, and connections. He believed that artistic knowledge should be shared, not hoarded, and he dedicated himself to ensuring that Black artists had spaces to grow, exhibit, and succeed.

This spirit of mentorship continues today through the Romare Bearden Foundation, which offers grants, artist residencies, and educational programming to support the next generation of artists.

The Cinque Artist Talks: Continuing Bearden’s Legacy

Founders of Cinque Gallery: left, Bearden, middle Ernest Crichlow, far right Norman Lewis.

One of the most significant ways Bearden’s community-driven ethos lives on today is through the Cinque Artist Talks, an initiative of the Romare Bearden Foundation to foster dialogue among artists, scholars, and the public on topics intersecting art, culture, and social issues.

This program draws inspiration from the Cinque Gallery, a nonprofit art space established in 1969 by Romare Bearden, Norman Lewis, and Ernest Crichlow. The gallery was named after Joseph Cinqué, the leader of the 1839 Amistad slave ship rebellion, symbolizing resilience and the fight for freedom. 

The Cinque Artist Talks uphold this legacy by offering virtual platforms for contemporary artists to discuss their work and its societal impact. For instance, the talk titled “Judy Bowman: Artist with Swag“ featured mixed-media artist Judy Bowman reflecting on her creations that celebrate Black culture and community. 

Additionally, the series commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Spiral Group with a discussion involving Richard Mayhew, the last living member of the group, and art historian Courtney J. Martin, exploring the group’s influence on Black art during the Civil Rights Movement. By engaging with these webinars, participants can delve into the enduring power of art as a catalyst for social change.

Why It Matters

The Cinque Artist Talks continue the work that Bearden and the Spiral Group began:

• Fostering artistic dialogue on the intersections of race, history, and culture.
• Providing mentorship and visibility to emerging Black artists.
• Exploring how art can be a tool for social change in today’s world.

By engaging with this series, audiences can see firsthand how Bearden’s vision of art as a communal force endures—not just in galleries, but in conversations that shape the cultural landscape.

Art as Activism: What Can We Learn from Bearden?

Bearden’s tribute to the improvisational spirit of Harlem jazz.

Bearden’s legacy offers valuable lessons on the role of art in community activism:

1. Art Is a Collective Endeavor

While Bearden was a singular artistic talent, he never worked in isolation. He actively built networks, collectives, and communities that amplified the voices of Black artists.

• Lesson: Creative communities can drive cultural and social change.

2. Representation Matters

Bearden fought for Black artists to be included in institutions that had historically ignored them. His work ensured that Black stories were told on their own terms.

• Lesson: Cultural visibility is a form of activism.

3. Art Is a Storytelling Tool

Through collage, Bearden pieced together fragments of Black life, memory, and migration, creating powerful visual narratives that challenged dominant historical perspectives.

• Lesson: Art can reclaim history and reshape collective memory.

Engaging with Bearden’s Vision Today

Romare Bearden understood something profound: art is more than just an aesthetic experience—it is a communal act, a political force, and a bridge between past and future.

His work, advocacy, and mentorship remind us that creativity is most powerful when it is shared, nurtured, and mobilized for social good.

How You Can Get Involved:

🔹 Join the Conversation: Attend a Cinque Artist Talk and engage with today’s leading voices in Black art and activism.
🔹 Explore Bearden’s Work: Visit exhibitions and delve into his powerful collages, which continue to inspire generations.
🔹 Support Emerging Artists: Follow the Romare Bearden Foundation’s initiatives and contribute to the next wave of Black artists making history.

Because, as Bearden showed us, art is not just about seeing—it’s about participating, connecting, and transforming the world together.