Artivism

What is it? 

Artivism is a tool that brings together artists and activists fighting against injustice and oppression. It is interested in attracting a broader range of people through actions that are crafted beautifully and carry a powerful message. Activities like graffiti, flashmobs, and street theatre are a few examples of common artivism. At its best, artivism can help educate the public around issues they are not familiar with. 

How do you do it? 

Key to artivism are artists! Invite artists you have worked with to help you plan an action. Your collaboration should inspire and educate your audience around the issue you are organising around. Some questions below to consider: 

• Who are your audiences? What would you like them to know about the work you are doing? 
• Once you have an audience engaged with your artivism, do you have other actions they can get involved with? Can you use this action to broaden your base? 
• Who else is working on this issue? Have you considered reaching out to them to organise this protest together? 
• Is the location, date and time of the artivist activity accessible? Think about people with disabilities, working people, single parents, etc. 
• How will you record your artivism to share the art more widely with your supporters and the media?

Why and When should you use it?

Artivism is a great tool to engage people who are new to activism, to educate people and show them a reality that they may not have access to in their daily lives. Use it when you want to build your base. 

Works best in combination with:

One-to-ones to have something to invite people to, community meetings to engage your base, press releases to attract media attention, and online petitions to share with your wider email list of supporters.