Full Interview with Marcus Amaker
Marcus Amaker is the Poet Laureate of Charleston, South Carolina. I had the pleasure to watch him perform last September at a TEDx conference in Downtown Charleston and after watching, I became interested with his work. I felt that he would be the perfect person to talk to about President Trump�s proposed budget; and I was right.
You can look at his work here:
Here�s the full interview:
As an influential artist in the Lowcountry, how do you think the art community would be affected in our area if President Trump�s proposed budget were passed? The budget would cut all federal funding to the National Endowment for the Arts in order to increase funding for the military and the border wall.
If the proposed budget happens, then I�m confident that our Charleston community would rise up and become more active in supporting each other. Oftentimes, it takes something negative to happen for positivity to grow.
Personally, how would this budget affect your work on a daily basis? Is this more of a symbolic blow to the arts community because it shows the current administration�s disregard towards the arts?
I work with a lot of nonprofits doing web design and graphic design. Luckily, I�ve seen the Charleston community come through for local organizations in a way that is truly inspiring. Yes, I believe it is a symbolic blow to the arts community. The previous administration was very supportive of the arts.
How important are the arts during this time of tension and division in our country? What do you think other artists around the country can do to heal the wound that our country is trying to nourish?
The arts are vital to our survival. We would be nothing without music, poetry, painting and other forms of creativity. If you look at the past, you�ll realize that we�ve been here before (and we�ll be here again. It�s human nature, unfortunately, to repeat the past). We�ll get through this. And art will be our voice.
Artists around the country should understand the importance of their voice. And not fear being uncomfortable.
What inspires you to create poetry and art?
Music. Music is my soul. I am often sparked by lyrics and melody. Joni Mitchell and Ani DiFranco are my spirit animals. I�m always studying how they wrap words around sound. It keeps me going.
Being the Poet Laureate of Charleston, you are sort of the unofficial spokesperson of the art community of Charleston. Do you agree with that assertion? What weight does the title of Poet Laureate hold?
Ah, what a title, eh? It�s truly a blessing to be in this position. Being here means that I now have a seat at the table when decisions are made about the art community. And it�s been a great journey. I will continue to be a voice for our arts community.
What drew you to Charleston to make art?
I came here to work for the Post and Courier. So, my path to Charleston was a practical one. Once settled, though, it was impossible to not be inspired by this city. I feel the stories of our ancestors every time I walk down the street. I am in touch with the ghosts of our past and aware that we have to keep history alive, while moving forward. I can thank Charleston for an awakening that I would not have had in any other city.
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