Art Activism

Introduction

Types of Art Activism

Banners

These can be made from found and recycled materials. Simple is often best, but witty comments or moving imagery can make a big difference. Consider colour choices and contrast, which along with large font can make the difference between a message people can read, and one that may be nearly invisible. Quilters might use old scraps, knitters might use yarn, but you can easily use the side of a cardboard box if time and materials are limited. Bigger banners that require multiple people to hold them can be a strong sign of unity, not to mention harder to miss.

Chalk 

This washes away in the rain and makes for fun, light hearted "graffiti".

Check out some impressive examples, and think about messages you might want to leave for your neighbors.

This page shows how easy it is to make chalk at home, if you can't find any locally, but be aware that tempara pain contains eggs.

The video above shows how chalkivism can bring communities together, and even use pollution to create meaningful art.

Tips

"Let's take your sidewalk chalk drawings to the next level by adding water!  In this video I will demonstrate 3 new techniques; painting water on your chalk drawing, soaking your chalk before drawing and drawing with chalk on wet concrete.  Any brand of chalk can be used and remember to only use sidewalk chalk on your sidewalk or driveway."

In the next video, an activist explains how chalk can engage people to ask questions, instead of avoiding activists like they might with a megaphone or pamphlets.

The next video shows how a piece of paper can be used to help jump start a pre-planned piece of art.

Documentaries & Films

These can have a huge impact on the behavior of many people, even large groups. Film combines visuals, music, and words to help us learn about the problems in the world, but most importantly, they can remind us that there is hope, and can help us learn about solutions which are within reach for anyone. These solutions might involve some civic activism like calling or writing to politicians, showing up to marches and protests, or even easier, like changing our diets and buying habits.

Fashion

We've all heard that fast fashion is bad for the environment, but by making, tailoring, or upcycling your own, you can increase the lifespan of clothes while enjoying looks you love! One simple way you can maximize the life of home-made or home-altered clothing is to use traditional seam making practices, instead of the machines used by the fast fashion industry which actually cut *and* sew at the same time, meaning the threats of garments often fall apart the first time they are worn, instead of lasting for years or decades like traditionally made clothes usually do.


Gardens

These spaces can offer space for imaginative ways to solve local problems with some artistic flare. Gardens can provide food, shelter from the noisy world, crafting supplies like fibers and dyes, they can also offer sensory experiences. Children and adults, especially with disabilities can benefit greatly from visual, tactile, auditory, and even scent-based experiences. Sensory gardens should include plants with a variety of smells, colours and textures, but care should be taken to avoid poisonous plants where someone might accidentally touch or eat them. Raised garden beds can give people with mobility restrictions the ability to engage. Pots, paving, paint, chimes and more can be fun ways to create a soothing or inspiring and engaging space for people to share. 

Click the button on the right to learn about different types of gardens and their benefits. Topics include sensory gardens, resources for planning and acquiring materials, organizations and project funding opportunities.

Glowstick Monsters

The Feed Me Glowstick Project takes donated art and construction supplies to make glow stick monsters for events. This brings attention to the lack of recycling facilities for these toxic party decorations.

Posters  

Try to find used items instead of using fresh paper or cardboard. Big bold pen or paint makes words easier to see than pale pencils.

Visible Mending

 Combines art and utility. Check out r/Visiblemending for examples and practical advice from fellow menders.

Resources

Click the Eco Friendly Art Supplies button to see our growing list of suggestions for eco-friendly art supply companies as well as ways to make your own art supplies.

Groups

International

Oceana

Australia

Grants


International


North America

USA

Minnesota

Suggested Reading