Encourage Troublemaking

by Kathy Vargas

May 2009

Kathy Vargas

Let’s support artists who are society’s critics, even when—especially when—we don’t agree with them. Let’s enter a conversation with potentially dangerous art, especially when its themes are social justice. The National Endowment for the Arts has all sorts of safeguards to protect the public from artists who make people nervous. And we all remember the Dixie Chicks–W. censorship fiasco. Not all artists are, or want to be, controversial. But let’s support the handful giving society a well-deserved poke (remember Goya?). Solution: We launch the Texas Troublemaker Awards, for artists with important but controversial subject matter.

Vargas is a photographer in San Antonio.

The Next Big Idea »

All 54 ideas from the magazine »
And 28 more you’ll find only on the web »

E-mail

Password

Remember me

Forgot your password?

X (close)

Registering gets you access to online content, allows you to comment on stories, add your own reviews of restaurants and events, and join in the discussions in our community areas such as the Recipe Swap and other forums.

In addition, current TEXAS MONTHLY magazine subscribers will get access to the feature stories from the two most recent issues. If you are a current subscriber, please enter your name and address exactly as it appears on your mailing label (except zip, 5 digits only). Not a subscriber? Subscribe online now.

E-mail

Re-enter your E-mail address

Choose a password

Re-enter your password

Name

  
 

Address

Address 2

City

State

Zip (5 digits only)

Country

What year were you born?

Are you...

Male Female

Remember me

X (close)