" My city is not only losing jobs. We’re losing people, and it’s frightening. During my recent art curation at the City Club, I spent most of that time urging Cleveland residents and city officials to adopt a plan to merge East Cleveland with Cleveland so we can maintain our population, because doing nothing is no longer an option. "
- Seph Lawless

In the quote provided, Seph Lawless discusses the pressing issue faced by Cleveland regarding population decline and job loss. He highlights a concern that goes beyond economic challenges and delves into the social fabric of the city, emphasizing that its vitality and identity are at stake due to people moving away. Lawless suggests a bold solution: merging East Cleveland with Cleveland to help stabilize and potentially grow the city's population.

The deep meaning of this quote extends beyond merely addressing population decline. It speaks to broader issues such as urban renewal, community resilience, and civic engagement. By proposing a merger, Lawless underscores the importance of innovative thinking and proactive planning in tackling long-standing socio-economic challenges. This idea reflects a recognition that traditional methods may no longer be sufficient to address complex urban problems; instead, bold and creative solutions are necessary for revitalization and progress. The quote also serves as a call to action for both city officials and residents to work collaboratively towards a shared vision of their community's future.

Seph Lawless is an artist known for his provocative and socially conscious works that often focus on the urban landscape and its socio-economic conditions. His approach involves engaging directly with communities through various forms of art, including photography and curation events, which aim to spark dialogue about issues such as gentrification, poverty, and racial inequality in cities like Cleveland. Through these initiatives, Lawless seeks to highlight pressing societal challenges while also proposing ways to address them creatively and effectively.