TED Talks Daily The role of art and forgiveness in democracy | Marc Bamuthi Joseph and Wendy Whelan
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Apr 23, 2025 
Marc Bamuthi Joseph, an artist and cultural strategist, discusses how art can foster healing in politically divided societies. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and vulnerability in building understanding among communities. Joined by Wendy Whelan, associate artistic director of the New York City Ballet, they explore the transformative power of art through a performance of "The Carnival of the Animals." The conversation highlights the cycles of action and inaction, using the cuckoo bird as a metaphor for societal healing and forgiveness.
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Art and Dance for Healing
- Marc Bamuthi Joseph uses art and dance collaboration to explore forgiveness and remembrance.
- His work with Wendy Whelan integrates music and movement to embody political healing.
Art's Role in Forgiveness
- Forgiveness is both deeply personal and inherently political in society.
- Art can foster social impact by creating infrastructure for remembrance and forgiveness.
Need for Public Healing
- Society has not invested enough in public healing after national trauma like the pandemic.
- Public healing is essential to reconciling collective trauma and injustice.