Artists across the country protest authoritarianism with 'Fall of Freedom'

By Anastasia Tsioulcas

Published November 21, 2025 at 4:42 AM EST

In an act of "creative resistance," artists from many disciplines --from big names like Ava DuVernay and John Legend to small community groups -- are staging exhibitions, performances, and public events on Nov. 21-22 across the country to protest what they see as anti-democratic and authoritarian forces.

Anastasia Tsioulcas

Anastasia Tsioulcas is a correspondent on NPR's Culture desk. She is intensely interested in the arts at the intersection of culture, politics, economics and identity, and primarily reports on music. Recently, she has extensively covered gender issues and #MeToo in the music industry, including the trial and conviction of former R&B superstar R. Kelly; backstage tumult and alleged secret deals in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations against megastar singer Plácido Domingo; and gender inequity issues at the Grammy Awards.

Artists across the country protest authoritarianism with 'Fall of Freedom'

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.