Art against invasion: Rebel Yell Creative newsletter (Jan 9, 2026)

 This week in the Rebel Yell Creative newsletter: Street art that says no to invading other countries; creative heroes who focused on quiet power; and a creative manifesto for the real world. 

“I don’t want to get used to war.” Street art in St. Petersburg. 

Art as Resistance to Invasion

As American leaders become invaders in 2026, I'm looking to this gallery of street art within Russia. 

Many (most?) citizens there do not want to be in Ukraine, do not support Putin's imperialism, are resisting his censorship and repression, and look with shame on their country's actions. So they turn to art. 

Perhaps some inspiration for us as America takes over Venezuela and eyes Greenland…

Read more at The streets speak: Anti‑war messages in Russian cities.

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Septima Poinsette Clark, who taught citizenship and voting rights, literacy, and how to resist the status quo of segregation. 

Creative in quiet

Each new year brings with it a slew of bullshit. 

Beyond all the pressure to suddenly change your body, change your habits, change YOU, every article on creativity is telling you how to be more productive, how to make a gazillon dollars, how to hustle and grind. 

All of it forgetting or ignoring that…the world fucking sucks right now. It is hard to just get through a day, let alone make goals for an entire year. 

Kerry Chaput, the creator of Badass Women in History, talks about how she's forgoing the whole resolution nonsense this year. And she's taking inspiration from the quiet rebels, the women who weren't looking for fame and fortune, but to take care of themselves and their communities through art and culture. 

Read more at A Very Merry UnNew Years to You. 

Read the article

A creative manifesto for 2026

One of the things you'll read again and again in the Rebel Yell Creative newsletter: Someone needs to hear your story. Someone needs to know they are not alone. Someone needs to know they’re going to be ok, and your voice and your story will help. Your unique way of seeing the world will help.

That thing you’ve been putting off? The story, song, or art that is too weird, or too loud, or too vulnerable? That’s what we need right now. That's what YOU need right now. 

So as the internet abounds with awful advice on how to be productive, motivated, and work work work, let's reframe the year ahead with a creative manifesto: 

• We prize the truth, and we tell the truth.

• We tell our stories. Even the ones that scare us.

• We tell them in our way. Think digital and analog. Get creative and get weird.

• We understand the power of making our art for our own survival.

• We lean in to the things we think are drawbacks.

• We embrace our cultures, and create work to honor them.

• We create revolutionary art to reach the people who need it.

• We lean in to unrespectability. We don’t owe anyone good behavior.

• We use play, and fun, as a tool.

• And we make a long-term commitment to making art for a better world.

If you'd like support and guidance for your creative work this year, let's work together! →

What do you think?

I remember hearing “Tommy” by The Who for the first time. And “Five Years” by Bowie. And seeing “Rushmore.” All of them hit me at a moment I really needed them. 

What's a book, movie, or piece of art that found you when you really needed it? Tell me about it!

The Rebel Yell Creative newsletter is a weekly showcase of art as resistance, new creative ideas and practices, and inspiration. Make art and creativity as resistance and self care, without shady capitalist shame. Sign up now!