Franklin Sirmans

Art is not just something to look at; it's something to interact with, something to be with.

We want to have an impact. When I allude to the idea of having an impact in terms of civic engagement, the idea of having an impact on development, this is what we aspire to be.

We all believe that creativity, innovation, comes from thinking that is often generated from artists.

If we can't imagine it, we can't do it... If we cant imagine it then its definitely not going to happen. And artists allow us to imagine, allow us to dream."

"Craft" can be a derogatory remark - not making art, just doing craft. A healthy conversation again for artists that are considered to be self-taught, sometimes call them "folk" or "outliers" - as they make craft instead of art.

Art is simply a catalyst, it is simply the thing that we make up, then love and get seduced that leads us to something else, that leads us to another conversation. That leads us to a dialogue that can be used in a way that generates a higher degree of empathy, that allows for us to see each other in a more clear light and to understand each other better, and to hopefully live together better. Yes, we do have that aspiration.