Learn about climate artivism and inspiring artivists who cultivate awareness and change through arts and creative expression.

Climate change is often framed as a technical and bureaucratic challenge, leaving little or no space for art and creativity.

To bring art into climate work and activism, Climate Creativity and One Resilient Earth organised the learning journey ‘Becoming Climate Artivists’, an online course for youth interested in boosting their creativity and the climate-resilience of their communities.

“What about artivism that excites me the most is how powerful and liberating it can be. If we look at our history, we can witness that art always played an important role because it causes enlightenment, expresses concerns, addresses trauma and most importantly gives people hope. As a black person I am highly aware of my culture and how writers, musicians, and visual artists actively fought and are still fighting against racism. In terms of climate change it is important that people unite.”

– Lia Kentzler (artist, pro baller and co-designer for Becoming climate artivists)

Artivism is a relatively new term, originating from a 1997 gathering of Chicano artists from Los Angeles and the Zapatistas in Chiapas, Mexico.

Defining artivism is not our aim. However, we want to highlight some dimensions that we think are important.

Creative

Climate Artivism aims to cultivate awareness and change through arts and creative expression, in response to the climate emergency.

Unique

Climate Artivism is for everyone. We are all affected by climate change in some way, and the abundance of creative expressions allow for each and every one to find their unique approach to cultivate change.

Powerful

Climate Artivism opens up political and cultural possibilities, by allowing people to create spaces for emotions, reflexivity, imagination and experimentation.

Deep

Climate Artivism is personal. It is a form of action that is guided by, as well as explores, expands and expresses our deeply held beliefs, values, and belonging.

Taking place

Climate Artivism is happening all over the world. Below you find a selection of moving personal stories from climate artivists who took part in the learning journey Becoming Climate Artivists.

An illustrated story of grief by Tulika Awasthi

A story about using our hands, heart and shared knowledge to help nature by Diana Giaisa Rinaldi

A story about building community through activism by Luisa Hörtnagel