Artists make things and make things happen. Activists stir the public pot and ignite social change. They agitate, demonstrate, boycott and protest. Artivists react and respond to current and historical events through acts of creation and have been doing so for a long, long time.
See for yourself! A People’s Art History of the United States: 250 Years of Activist Art and Artists Working in Social Justice Movements provides the long view and brings perspective to Global Activism: Art and Conflict in the 21st Century. Two other timely titles include Politics is a Joke: How TV Comedians are Remaking Political Life and Tales of Two Americas: Stories of Inequality in a Divided Nation.
On all levels of society, artists move people to action through images and/or language. You can learn about the role of activist artists in Culture as Weapon: The Art of Influence in Everyday Life and Culture Jamming: Activism and the Art of Cultural Resistance.
Stories of how artists have responded to injustice can be found in:
- See You in the Streets: Art, Action and Remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire;
- Engaged Resistance: American Indian Art, Literature and Film from Alcatraz to the NMAI;
- How it Feels to be Free: Black Women Entertainers and the Civil Rights Movement; and
- Queer Clout: Chicago and the Rise of Gay Politics.
This very day, in the streets, in theaters, museums, on screen, stage and page artists engage the public, create opportunities for discussion, providing opportunities that help facilitate understanding of the key issues that we face as a world community. Willing or unwilling, in support or opposition, we play a part, are a part of the great drama of life.
See how artivists get active, become involved and leave their mark on the world. Check out the resource list Activist + Artist = Artivists.
~ posted by Chris
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