Reading time ≈ 3 min.

In this post, I'll share with you my favorite resources on artistic activism.

Graphic design is not (or rarely) urgent. Most urgencies in the design world are either created to be money-driven or result from poor time management. And it is not that important. But it can be powerful. It won't save lives in an accident, but it may help prevent future accidents. It can't start wars, but it can feed them with propaganda. And it can't stop them, but it can help people unite for one cause. Ok, it's important.

Growing up in a place with diverse realities helped me understand that my bubble is not universal. And most art is advocating for something. So here I gathered some material (resources and examples) to help you expand your views of artistic activism.

#1 The Design of dissent book 

This book is nuanced and intelligent and sometimes witty and addresses serious issues. Put out by Mirco Ilic and Milton Glaser (I<3NY), about "greed and nationalism, alternative facts and the resistance" (as advertised). It also includes an interview with Milton Glaser by Steven Heller.

During the pandemic, Mirko Ilic had an exhibit on tolerance in Munich. With everything closed, the posters were scattered across the town, displayed facing outside in different locations. I took pictures of some of them–see below (if you are or know one of the artists/designers, please let me know to add the name in the caption).

Exhibit on tolerance brought by Mirko Ilić in Munich.

#2 Actipidia.org 

Where you'll find many projects and successful campaigns to browse through and submit your own. Did you know that birds aren't real?

#3  Yes Men

With resources to learn and lots of clever hoaxes to gain attention to social and environmental issues. For example, here is a very well-prepared one to fight against greenwashing in the oil industry across East Africa. Here is how it turned out. You can send it to people who say there's nothing we can do.

#4 The Center for Artistic Activism 

C4aa teaches and encourages artistic activism. They share a bunch of resources. You can follow them on Instagram. They also have a book and a workbook. (I read a few chapters so far that are applicable to creative work in general. Will have to go through the whole book, though)

#5 Artists

Much art is a form of activism, and many artists incorporate social or political messages in their work. Here are two of my favorite female artists who fight for peace, justice, and equity with their art.

I follow Mona Chalabi on Instagram, and love her informational activist infographics/illustrations. She's an articulate and well-researched journalist who recently got a Pulitzer Prize for Illustrated Reporting and Commentary. What I like most about her is that she has the guts to put an issue on the table and is not afraid of a fair fight. Some problems don't have official numbers, and facts may not be 100% accurate because they are not researched by states and registered. Still, Mona takes the responsibility of opening the conversation.

#6 Question

Consider asking more profound questions to insert activism and new perspectives into your work. Here are a few good ones. 

#7: How to make a protest sign

In case you missed it–Kelli Anderson's hand sign.

That was it so far. If you have other sources, please do share.
Also, this list is ever-growing; make sure to check again if you need something in this category. 

Thanks!