#CreativeActivism

[newrainy]

Week 6 Activism, Protest / Digital Citizenship

How do Art-forms and popular culture become symbols of a social movement?

Art Activism is a term derived from another form of expression of activism through an artistic medium and utilizes it. Because I’m not socially partaking in activism. Still, when I heard about the creative activism that challenges the creative way, I was instantly interested because, as a designer, I am a sucker for art expression and analyzing creative thinking.

By further investigation, Creative Activism stems down to the colonial rule of Britain during the 18th century that was evident in America, according to The Black Sheep Agency (2021). Some famous art activism pieces are the painting of ‘George Washington crossing the Delaware,’ which symbolizes the message of the Pro-American Revolution.

During the 20th century, it happened to occur a twist in the narratives of the art protests because this new era of creative activism addressed civil rights and the people’s dissatisfaction in society.

However, when we define art, it comes in different shapes, such as Murals, Drawings, paintings, et cetera.

One form of a progressive movement is the 20th-century protest art of feminism by the citizens who used their message through art by advocating FOR working women, femininity who were self-deprived from any sort of public political engagement such as voting. The infamous work of “Sash and strict Edwardian dress code” where a weapon and a symbol of feminism against their opposition. By any means, artworks like these have an extensive outreach today with their evolution.

(Three Suffragist, 1916 by Ed. Markel)

Another example of creative activism in the form of art is evident in Mainland China, where the voices of people are censored and silenced. The Guardian (2020) shows the way art speaks the minds of the citizens in China. One example of this phenomenon was the year 2020, with the Hongkong protest intending to fight for pro-democracy, which was shown as socially unacceptable by the law. The empty white paper sheets were the voice for the freedom of speech. And with the new protests in 2022, the white paper blanks came back with the same public message, and I’m sure statements like these become a symbol of bravery and fights for justice.

(White paper sheet activism, Anthony Kwan/ Getty Images)

Art speaks for itself and carries messages that cannot be directly criticized. The impactful messages become a powerful tool for people without freedom of speech and a threat to the higher-ups. The standard transmission in a large community creates a shield against the opposition. Art is in the eye of the beholder, as it is often said. It outlives the generic, standardized idea of society.

Reference

The Guardian 2020, Hongkongers find creative ways to voice dissent in pictures, The Guardian, viewed 4 December 2022, <https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/sep/29/hong-kong-people-find-creative-ways-to-voice-dissent-in-pictures>

The Black Sheep Agency 2021, A Short History of American Protest Art, The Black Sheep Agency, viewed 4 December 2022, < https://theblacksheepagency.com/blog/protest-art>

[scoopcentral]

Mail Art Unites to Combat Human Trafficking: An International Call for Awareness

New York City, July 22, 2023 - In an effort to raise awareness and combat the pervasive issue of human trafficking, artists from around the globe are joining forces for a unique initiative - "Mail Art Against Human Trafficking" or "Arte Postal Contra Trafico Humano." The project, organized ahead of the World Day Against Human Trafficking on July 30, aims to shed light on the illegal and degrading practices endured by countless individuals worldwide. Through their creative expressions, these artists seek to break the silence surrounding this alarming phenomenon.

Human trafficking remains a severe global crisis that affects millions of people, leaving them trapped in exploitative and horrifying situations. Despite efforts from various organizations and governments, this modern-day slavery continues to thrive, often in the shadows of society. "Mail Art Against Human Trafficking" seeks to harness the power of art and creativity as a potent tool to inform and inspire change.

The call for artists to participate in this initiative beckons individuals to send their thought-provoking artworks to a specific address - Rumichaca 1323 and Clemente Ballen in Guayaquil, Ecuador. By utilizing the medium of mail art, the organizers aim to engage a diverse range of artists from all corners of the world, transcending geographical boundaries to unite against this common cause.

The chosen exhibition space, WordUp Community Bookstore in New York City, serves as a central point to showcase these heartfelt creations. As the artworks arrive, they will be thoughtfully curated to form a powerful visual display that speaks to the urgency of addressing human trafficking.

Mail art has a rich history of being a democratic and inclusive art form, often centered around societal issues and political activism. By incorporating this artistic practice into the fight against human trafficking, the organizers hope to amplify the message and reach a wider audience. Each piece of art will act as a voice, condemning the heinous crime and advocating for change.

Participants are encouraged to explore various themes surrounding human trafficking, including the stories of survivors, the impact on families, the role of society in eradicating this issue, and the importance of prevention and support systems. Through their art, these creators aim to dismantle the misconceptions and stigma associated with human trafficking, fostering empathy and understanding.

One of the project's key goals is to educate the public about the signs of human trafficking and encourage them to report any suspicious activities to authorities. By raising awareness, it is hoped that communities worldwide will become vigilant and responsive, thereby safeguarding vulnerable individuals from falling prey to traffickers.

As the submission deadline approaches on July 30, the anticipation for the unveiling of these compelling artworks builds. Organizers are optimistic that this powerful collective expression will resonate with visitors to the Word Up Community Bookstore, inspiring conversations and driving meaningful action.

In a world where art continues to transcend boundaries and serve as a mirror of society, "Mail Art Against Human Trafficking" stands as a testament to the strength of human compassion and creativity. Together, artists and audiences alike have the opportunity to make a real difference and contribute to the global fight against human trafficking.

To learn more about this initiative and how you can contribute, visit the project's website at www.mailartagainsttrafficking.org.

[coraliedatta]

People of #yorkshire you have until Monday to apply to my latest #opencall! . . . #callforartists #opencallforartists #photographer #yorkshireartists #leedsart #activist #artforchange #socialactivism #activistart #creativeactivism #callout #leedsinspired #leedsart #leedsartsuniversity https://www.instagram.com/p/BsOoAAul6QS/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cptmgyv2wfl5

[orangefruitcakeart]

This evening I'm reading up on the Badger Cull consultation ready to write a response before 26th . You can read more about the consultation here. There's also an online survey on the website. . . https://consult.defra.gov.uk/animal-health-and-welfare/badger-no-cull-zones-edge-area/consultation/intro/ . . I also reccomend visiting Derbyshire Against the Cull datc.org.uk They also have a fb page and Insta @derbyshireagainstthecull . . . #savethebadger #loveallanimals #artistsagainstcruelty #banthecull #artofcompassion #derbyshireagainstthecull #derbyshireartist #creativeactivism #animalsave #badgerlove #animaljustice #animal_sketchbook #artfortheanimals #stopthebadgercull #veganfortheanimals #scarydairy #vaccinationisbest #loveanimals #bekindtoallkind #bekind https://www.instagram.com/p/CBtM4yMF8dR/?igshid=1rpxp9quwqyr2

[inneruniverseillustrations]

Art prompt number 3: White Shame... This image relates to my experience of shame in general. To me, the feeling of shame is like being caught in the rain and being totally drenched. It washes over you and if you are drenched, it takes a long time to dry, or, in other words, recover from the awful feeling, which makes you want to hide in a hole. If shame makes you beat yourself up and withdraw, it is not a healthy version of the feeling. The question I have been asking myself is, 'How does this feeling benefit me?` If I realize the feeling is an old coping mechanism, no longer helpful to me or the people around me, then I try and shift that emotion through action. Often, this action is making art but all movement can shift feelings in the body to transform into something different (Dr. Daniel Siegel's research proves this❤️😉 look him up). I realized recently my 'White' shame was not helpful to anyone. In a sense, it is a form of transgenerational trauma; an unhealthy feeling passed down by my ancestors. I don't want to make the same mistakes they made. And the only way to not pass this feeling on to future generations is by shifting the story. #shame #whiteshame #symbolic #rawart #rawemotion #instalove #therapeutic #therapeuticprocess #creativeactivism #challengeyourself #makeadifference #systemicracismartchallenge #changethestory #artistactivist #illustrate #gouachepaintings (at Wanstead, Redbridge, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBoJP3bHxCd/?igshid=17kywxcbfd3f6

[iamxilomen]

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Creative Activism session. My group used resources provided to us to demonstrate how "easy" it is for NGOs to get funding. #creativeactivism #ngo #demonstration #funding #artivism #issues #brazil #15coloquio #activism (at FGV Direito SP - Escola de Direito de São Paulo)

[sonny-layton]

Creative Activism Research - Diet

One of our key points in our campaign is that a well maintained varied diet plan can lead to a happy and healthy mind. Since our campaign is aimed at students, we decided to look at the food that was on offer for them in the college. We soon saw that a majority of the food and drinks sold were high in sugar and salt. In fact the only snacks offered in the vending machines, the closest items available to students, were unhealthy such as crisps and chocolate. 

We decided that this was very wrong and that through our campaign, we could help make a change to this, possibly encouraging the college to consider adding more fruit or nuts to the machines. 

[madebymixy]

#goodtimes #fullcolorlife #trusttheunfolding #creativeactivation https://www.instagram.com/p/CH-iqtbAKRd/?igshid=39880kf3n3ib

[jeanettehill]

NO ORDINARY DAYS! First week was a GREAT success. Amazing play! Amazing cast! Amazing crew! 3 more shows! Please support! Link in bio!#writersofinstagram #ourstoriesourvoice #blackchurch #blackcommunities #blacktheatre #blacktheater #makeadifference #mentalhealthawareness #namiaustin #survive #creativeactivism #bettertogether #atx #cityofaustin #stage #actors #blackexcellence https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn0whUFHdsb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ec6pt4aqe621

[hntosta]

Les inivito a participar en el taller sobre activismo creativo!! la inscripcion esta en el link, cualquier consulta pueden escribirme duracion del taller es de 1 semana http://ccetegucigalpa.org/formacion/taller-mensajearte #samzumbao #TOSTYHN #creative_instaarts #art #activity #creativeart #workshop #workshopfree #creativeactivism #artactivism #free #Honduras #art #activities #socialactivism #workshopart #forHonduras

[creative-salem]

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Keep an eye out during @masspoetry festival this weekend for #rainingpoetry #creativeactivism #salemma #poetry #publicart masspoetry.org (at Salem, Massachusetts)

[vanichimagazine]

#Vanichi supports this phenomenal cause and we hope to see you there! #EndSlavery #CreativeActivism #Repost @ianbaileyphotography ・・・ Sat April 29th and Sun 30th Art Exhibition Benefit. We want to free a village from slavery! All purchases of these images or donations are tax deductible!!! These people and #voices4freedom are incredible! If you have seen the posts about these amazing villagers and kids and their condition and want to help in a big or small way you can start by telling one and all to come to the event!!! Brewery Art Walk! Plus VR Exhibition and stay for the rest of the artist! (at The Dream Factory LA Studio)

[jordananthonyswain]

Wow, what an incredible​ experience. @shepherdtevin and I just finished our panel on youth #entrepreneurship with #YouthBusinessInternational. I spoke on The DNA of a 21st Century Entrepreneur, which is one of my last talks that I'll be touring around the world. Always an honor to speak at such an international organization that supports under-served young entrepreneurs by giving them the resources, networks & support so their projects, social initiatives and developing brands can not only grow, but flourish. Todays #Masterclass exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship #creativeactivism and channeling it into knowledge sharing. Thanks again #Accenture for presenting such a necessary event. My #SwainSpeaks was called The DNA of a 21st Empire and you can tune in #Livestreaming from #Curitiba #Brazil. #YBICD #MotivationalSpeaker #TedTalks #MasterClass #Speaker #Inspiration #Panel (at Curitiba, Brazil)

[kreativbyerika]

Easy in plenty of time for Saturday's Women's March on Washington...my completed Pussy Hat ❤💪🏼 #pussyhat #louisaharding #knitting #knit #knittersofinstagram #knittingaddict #knitting_inspiration #womensmarchonwashington #womensmarchonwashington #protest #trumpprotest #creativeactivism #activism #stricken #pussyhatproject #pussygrabsback (at Kreativbyerika)