LumenARRT! is a project of the Artists’ Rapid Response Team (ARRT!). We work through the Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA), a members’ organization that advocates for artists and furthers the work of progressive non-profits in the state of Maine. Our video projections, graphic design production, and interactive media projects create a visual voice for these organizations and, like electronic graffiti, bring awareness to issues of social, economic, and environmental justice. In addition to issue-based messaging, we acknowledge the growing need for community to be nurtured, celebrated, and supported. We welcome new members. If you seek to collaborate with others in shining a light on important issues for all of us, get in touch!
This Spring, LumenARRT! joined the local South Portland activists NoFlockforSoPo in their fight against surveillance cameras on the streets of their town. Residents have become aware of the cameras and the contract the city has with Flock, the company that makes and installs these devices all over the US. LumenARRT! and ARRT! have collaborated on signs, arrows, videos, and projections to add visual soundbites for the group, who has successfully rallied many neighbors to take part in city council meetings and add their voices to the civic discourse and local governance on this important issue.
ARRT! signs and arrows help residents point out the hidden cameras to passerby, South Portland.
The LumenARRT! video below gives drivers at a busy South Portland intersection information about an upcoming city council meeting.
Our commitment to building and nourishing community and supporting democracy and free speech at a grass roots level takes many forms. This spring LumenARRT! members have been participating in local rallies, passing out Know Your Villain cards, and connecting with activists in Maine and nationally. We presented information, visuals, and video inspiration to a community meeting with Elders for a Sound Democracy, an organizational branch of Elders Action Network. The meeting was robustly attended with close to 200 people joining in and LumenARRT’s contribution was enthusiastically received. Kennebunkport’s Creative Resistance community gathering was held in June, where LumenARRT! joined many creatives and displayed Villain cards and a Many Reasons to Vote! video.
LumenARRT Know Your Villain card.
LumenARRT Know Your Villain card.
Fired! We’re happy to see our Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem Villain cards become obsolete! Now we want some accountability for their villainy! Still ten Villains to go! Know Your Villain cards are available here.
We are planning some projections for the future; with the long days of summer ahead, we seek some dark nights to project! Voting season will be fast upon us. Look to see what LumenARRT! shines the light on. In the meantime, along with distributing cards in person and online, our artists have been producing videos for social media. More to come. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky, or contact us and join in! We look forward to seeing you on the street! You can find more images of our work on our website.