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.
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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Event Recap: Teaching Creativity to Inspire Social Good
Watch the recording, read key takeaways, and get helpful resources On Thursday, April 17, 2025, we partnered with Project Pericles for Teaching Creativity to Inspire Social Good. This uplifting webinar focused on how creativity is a powerful tool for civic engagement and inspiring social good. During the event, participants: The webinar was for faculty and…
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What Creative Activism Makes Possible
Every day, artists and activists around the world are using creativity to shift culture, challenge injustice, and build a more just and joyful future. At the Center for Artistic Activism, we help make that happen through training, mentorship, and support for bold, strategic, imaginative campaigns. This 45-second video captures the energy and impact of that…
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From idea to impact: Watch what your support makes possible
LoudLight is a scrappy advocacy group in Kansas. A few years ago, they asked for our help because a vote was coming up that threatened Kansan’s right to abortion. LoudLight wanted to encourage young people to get involved, and the stakes were high. The vote was happening right after the Supreme Court had overturned Roe…
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.
Looking for tutorials, podcasts, videos, or case studies? Check out our resources!
We are developing an International Artistic Activism Research Colab across the world, with researchers from seven countries.
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!
