PEACE SIGNS
Arts activism brings us together
By D a wn S h a tt u c k
I
n every society, art and culture matter in that they
provide a platform for social interaction, create a forum
for open dialogue and room for freedom of expression,
all of which are critical drivers of social change. As
emphasized by artist and designer Olafur Eliasson, “Art and
culture represent one of the few areas in our society where
people can come together to share an experience even if
they see the world in radically different ways.”
Creative works are often utilized to amplify social is-
sues while also becoming a collaborative bridge between
various groups and cultures. Creative activism often arises
from a collective appreciation of works of art, be it dance,
painting, poetry, sculpture, music, etc. Through their efforts
both artists and activists demonstrate a vision of what is
possible for humanity. The next phase of evolution for
humanity may well be in the hands of these creatives and
their ability to craft inspired events for the rest of us to wit-
ness, to participate in, and hopefully grow from.
Art does not necessarily show people what to do, but
with an activist focus, works of art can connect you to your
senses as well as to specific issues and the endless challenges
of our world. This in turn may spur the activism needed to
go out and change the world one problem, one issue, one
opportunity at a time. Or conversely, someone may have ac-
tivist tendencies and wish to work creatively with others to
bring awareness and change to a particular social challenge.
We certainly have no shortage of challenges to face.
Slavery worldwide is at an all time high. Public safety poli-
cies and laws around the sale and use of automatic weapons
are needed. Some places are still struggling to address issues
of adequate food, water, and housing—the basics of survival.
There are endless opportunities to help. What issues call
to your soul? Maybe use forms of art to create awareness,
maybe raise funds to help a cause, or invest time helping to
create events and develop actions that promote a culture of
peace where you live. As so well put by Yoko Ono, “A dream
you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream to-
gether is reality.”
34 IMAGINE l FALL 2018
n Good Reading. The
Creative Activist: Make the
World Better, One Person,
One Action at a Time, Rae
Luskin, Publisher Wise
Ink. 2015. Rae Luskin
interviewed 100 leaders
around the United States
for insight into what makes
a creative activist. This
book will help you sort out
if there is something signifi-
cant you are meant to do
and help you find your
voice to make it happen.
n Participate in a national
conference on social trans-
formation: Over 3,500 en-
vironmentally and socially
conscious citizens will
gather at the 2018 National
Bioneers Conference in Oc-
tober to get inspired, build
community and take action
for a just and sustainable
world. Proposals for being
presenters are currently
being accepted for the
2018 Bioneers Conference.
www. Bioneers.org
n Inclined to become an
artist activist or express
your social concerns
through creative avenues?
Check out the following
organizations for more
information or possible
training.
1. The Creative Action
Institute works at the in-
tersection of creativity and
social change. Their focus
is to build the capacity of
if you’re
waiting
for a sign
this is it
leaders and organizations
for innovation, collabora-
tion and resilience to ad-
vance conservation, health,
and human rights globally.
They stress that creativity
powers people, and people
working together power
change. The organization
seeks to build an inclu-
sive and just world where
individuals, communities,
and ecosystems flourish.
creativeactioninstitute.org
2. The School for Creative
Activism says it is “the only
training school that offers
a broad-based education
focused on the organiz-
ers themselves; teaching
overarching principles,
perspectives, and skills of
creative activism that they
can apply to their own
campaigns.” This school is
both a training program for
grassroots activists and a
workshop to help socially
engaged artists become
more politically efficacious.
Artisticactivism.org/c4aa-
trainings-programstiveart-
sandcultures.org