At the Center for Artistic Activism we help people use their creativity and culture to effect power.
The Center for Artistic Activism is a small (but scrappy) 501c3 non-profit organization. We have worked in 23 countries on 6 continents since 2009.
We believe creativity is critical in making a just world.
Imagination powers change, and changes power. Creativity, culture, and the arts are powerful forces, but time is running out. Artists, activists, and organizations must deploy creativity with precision, skill, and expertise. We don’t just need artistic activism. We need artistic activism that works.
Why Artistic Activism?
The Powers of Art
Smithsonian Anacostia Exhibit
We work alongside artists, activists, organizations, and everyone in between.
Our methods provide the structure to leverage the powers of art toward meaningful outcomes. We share them through our workshops, communities you can join, in books, and online. Whether you’re an individual artist, a die-hard activist, the leader of a national organization, or just someone looking to make the world a little bit better, we want you to have ideas and tools that work.
Resources
The Art of Activism book
For Individuals
For Organizations
Because all successful activism has been artistic activism
Movements that win can envision utopic futures and find innovative ways to turn dreams into reality. We study past movements, engage with present-day campaigns, and run experiments to find what works. Then we freely share what we learn. Because our goal is to help you be more imaginative, innovative, and most importantly: impactful.
Research Initiatives
Case Study: The Civil Rights Movement
Open Office Hours
We join fights for democracy, public health, human rights, and more.
Unstoppable Voters
Opioid Justice Campaign
Regional Creative Hubs
Sex Work Decrimalization in South Africa
We are the Center for Artistic Activism.
Let’s see what we can change, together.
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Recent News
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Three Steps to Radically Ridiculous Project Ideas
Use the resource below and then submit your idea to get support! “This sh*t is ridiculous!” We’re guessing that’s a sentence you’ve yelled (out loud or just in your head) many times, in response to the many &#$!% things happening in our government and in our country. But now, with the November elections nearly upon,…
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Applications Open! Get Support for your Radically Ridiculous Midterm Election Project
Submit by midnight on Sunday, September 13 We’re helping you realize bold, strategic, and spectacular pro-voting election projects for the midterms. Fill out the brief application below by midnight ET on Sunday, September 13. We’ll be selecting up to 10 projects to receive: This support is perfect for voting champions who are: Looking for project…
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Unstoppable Leaders Leading the Way
Learn about our Unstoppable Voters: Leaders Accelerator cohort Our Unstoppable Voters: Leaders Accelerator fills a gap in voter engagement work. Traditional tactics are struggling to move the people who’ve disengaged or been shut out of civic processes. This program is here to change that, providing expert guidance, tools, and funding to help leaders bring more…
Featured Programs and Resources
Our Unstoppable Voters program supports organizations and individuals that protect the freedom to vote in the US with creativity and innovation.
Our book The Art of Activism: Your All-Purpose Guide to Making the Impossible Possible includes lessons and insights from two decades of our work.
Tutorials, podcasts, videos, lessons, and case studies! Check out our resources!
15 Years of Impact – a comprehensive research project, analyzing the work of the Center.
Those dedicated to democracy, justice, and human rights deserve the best training and resources. Unfortunately, ideas that win don’t always reach those needing them most because of geography, finances, and other barriers. The Center for Artistic Activism is dedicated to making valuable information accessible to all through our practical approach and open distribution.
Your contribution helps us to reach those who need it most. Thank you!
