I am an Art Activist
Interactive Kits
to Engage All Rhode Islanders
"I am an Art Activist" invites people of all ages to get involved in their government through creativity. Our hands-on kits make civic engagement accessible and feel within all our reach.
We believe education and hope are the keys to a stronger democracy — and creativity gives everyone a way to take part.
For almost a decade, we've seen that engaging with democracy, quietly or loudly, sparks a sense of possibility — and possibility leads to real change for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
We want to share what we've learned. Our kits help everyone find their own way to shape their community and take part in their government.
ART AS ACTIVISM
As long as there has been activism, there has been art activism. Art activism is the use of visual or performance art to communicate information, engage people, and inspire change.
Activism can be politically motivated, rooted in fighting injustice, or aimed at bringing awareness and change to global issues like climate change, global health, or human rights. It can be done as an individual, but it is also a great way to build and utilize community.
Activist art takes many forms. It can be published or shown in galleries, but most activist art is public art available for anyone to view. It can include visual art, like posters, graffiti, and murals, or performance art, like site-specific installations, plays, music, or dance.
Civic education
Your government should work for you- so lets do something about it!
The United States government is a democratic republic. A republic is a government with laws and a constitution, and a democracy is a government run by the people. A democratic republic means people elect politicians to make the laws and run the government.
YOU can participate in the government in a variety of ways, some of which we explore for artistic activism:
-
- Vote! When you are 18, you can vote in elections for the president. You can vote for local politicians too, like the mayor or city councilperson.
- Contact your officials! Your elected representatives work for you–whether you voted for them or not. Sign a petition, send them a note, call their offices, or attend a town hall to let them know what you care about.
- Attend a protest! When a group of people want to make a change, they can come together for a protest or march. By coming together, the people show the government that they care and want to make change.
- Run for office! While you need to be 35 to run for president, you only need to be 18 to be a politician in Rhode Island. You can also be in the Student Senate at your school or even run for president, secretary, or treasurer.
- Help your community! Do nice things for people! Pick up trash at the park, give unhoused people hats and gloves, volunteer to walk your elderly neighbor’s dog, or run a food drive at your school.
Civic education Featured Projects
Created by Artivist Educators
You don't need to be an artist to be an art activist! Our kits and programs meet people at any skill level, because the goal isn't a perfect piece of art, it's showing up and feeling involved.
And art activism isn't just personal expression either, it's connective: when people create together, whether at a rally, in a classroom, or around a kitchen table, they build the relationships that keep civic participation going for the long haul.
The "I am an Art Activist" series has been built over time by over 10 art activists and educators, who also care about civics and speaking to its relativity. Thank you to the women who have built this program series.
