When artists
RTLArts is a constellation of artists who generate a global movement for ALL people and the planet to thrive. New narratives and stories can be created using RTL in dance, theatre, film, fine arts, music, comics, and literature to inspire people to care for the wellbeing of others and see themselves as changemakers to address what is not working in community, nations, and the planet. Art will become a part of everyday life and a social and economic driver for equity
What is RTL?
RTL is a unique approach and methodology created by Dr. Monica Sharma and described in her book Radical Transformational Leadership. RTL is based on the unique Conscious Full Spectrum Response model about how to source our inner capacities and wisdom to manifest change that embodies universal values of dignity, compassion, and fairness, and simultaneously transform unworkable systems and cultural norms to solve problems.
Drawing on more than 30 years of work at the United Nations and elsewhere, she presents a radical new approach to transformational leadership, one that creates systems of change where everyone can engage. Everyone has the potential to be a leader–a person who creates a new future–through actions in society, at home, and work. RTL is a pathway for unleashing our human potential to generate new futures through strategic actions for equitable and enduring results through all sectors—cultural entities, businesses, nonprofits, governments, media, etc. Dr. Monica Sharma has worked worldwide designing and delivering learning-in-action programs that equip participants with the practices necessary to generate results for systemic and equitable individual, organizational, and community and policy change.
In every community, culture, and country, the arts have existed since time began. It was evidenced in early prehistoric cave paintings, and in today's world, we know that art can be an economic force that shapes our cultural norms. The arts inspire us and reflect the essence of what it is to be a human being. The arts open hearts to compassion, equity, and dignity and help us see the humanity in each other across all borders. A song, a dance, or an image can instantly create a deep connection between people, helping us manifest our full potential and universal values. And at the same time, the arts can move us to establish new systems and culture where all people and planet thrive.
However, the arts can also perpetuate harmful stereotyping and stigmatization of people and promote false information and fear leading to panic. For example, in our movies, television, music, comics and video games, we romanticize and normalize violence and consumerism, and often promote an 'us versus them' mentality.
Our goal is to harness the power of the arts to influence culture for the greater good, using Radical Transformational Leadership (RTL), created by Dr. Monica Sharma, to change social norms and start ethical conversations based in dignity, equity, and compassion. New narratives and stories can be created using RTL in dance, theatre, film, fine arts, music, comics, and literature to inspire people to care for the wellbeing of all beyond privilege, bias, and prejudice. And see themselves as changemakers to address what is not working in families, communities, nations, and the planet. The arts can be a powerful tool to stop "othering", stereotyping, and stigmatizing people based on race, class, gender, caste, tribe, nationality, and religion and start portraying individuals as who they really are--unique and worthy.
Now more than ever, due to the internet and social media platforms, it is far easier to create (and share worldwide) arts and media content. With the ease of global communication, art can stop the glorifying and normalizing of violence and portray the real cost of violence, the systems that give rise to it, the cultural norms that perpetuate it, and what needs to change to prevent it. The arts can also be a powerful tool to stop the promotion of consumerism and show sustainable solutions for a thriving planet. New stories, songs, films, cartoons, and dances can illustrate conscious reciprocity (my wellbeing is tied to the wellbeing of others) rather than harmful self-interest. It is also time to recreate the traditional hero who solves problems with violence and to recognize the everyday hero who steps into courage, using wisdom instead of physical force and who we celebrate for their creative, system-changing solutions. This global movement will transform art into everyday life.
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"When artists journey through their leadership and stewardship development based on universal values they stand for, they see new invisible patterns, and they generate spectacular images, symbols, icons and metaphors for equitable and thriving humanity and the planet. "
-Dr. Monica Sharma
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