Artistic activism uses art and activism to bring about a change in the society. In today’s world, where issues seem to be never ending, it can feel quite overwhelming to try to commit to all the multiple causes we feel strongly about. Add to that our diminishing attention span, it is clear why artistic activism, a dynamic, innovative practice that makes a lasting impression calls to most people.

Artistic activism can act as a stepping stone for people who want to participate in activism, but do not know where to start. It is often times an emotional response to whatever’s happening around, and as such there is no hard and fast rules about what can be consider artistic activism or not. Furthermore, it is accessible to people that may not be able to physically participate in protests and rallies, and people that aren’t able to vote. Similarly, it can start at a small scale level and make news overnight, which may be a little difficult for traditional activism. This is not to say that one is better, or more significant. We have always combined all forms of activism throughout history to bring changes.

The beauty about artistic activism is one can integrate their individual skills in whatever way they want to deliver whatever message they want. Whether it’s Carmen Beuchat fusing dance with photography, video, poetry, and performance art or Adrian Piper dressing up as a man and engaging in stereotypical masculine behavior, the range and possibilities of artistic activism is limitless, and there’s always room for more.