The upcoming Global Artivism Conference 2024 will reimagine the intersection of art and activism and challenge the notion of art for art’s sake. This landmark conference will be held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Tshwane from 5 to 8 September, 2024, and will feature an array of thought leaders exploring artivism from various perspectives.

Themed Artivism: Embracing Cultural Activism for a Safe and Just World, the conference will highlight the crucial role of creative expression in advocating for social and environmental change. It’s presented by the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Arts and Design, Riky Rick Foundation, Community Arts Network (CAN), the City of Tshwane, and the Global Commons Alliance (GCA).

The event aims to empower individuals and organisations on the frontlines of democracy by catalysing world-class networking opportunities.

Why artivism?

In recent years, artivism has grown in importance globally as it bridges the gap between art and activism, using creative expression to raise awareness, stimulate debate and inspire action on important social, political and environmental issues. Through art, artists and activists can communicate complex messages, evoke emotions, and engage audiences in ways that traditional activism cannot always achieve. Artivism has the power to inspire change, challenge societal norms, and amplify marginalized voices, making it an essential tool for driving social progress and advocating for positive change on a global scale.

The conference features a packed agenda of workshops, youth forums, panel discussions and performances by local and international talent and thought leaders from around the world.

World-class keynote speakers include:

• Favianna Rodriguez, a contemporary interdisciplinary artist, cultural strategist and entrepreneur from California known for her work in social justice and cultural equity

• Kumi Naidoo, a human rights and climate justice activist, Payne Distinguished Lecturer at Stanford University and special advisor to the Green Coalition

• Dr Jasna Jovićević, a Serbian artivist and acclaimed saxophonist

Kumi Naidoo, co-founder of the Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism, says: “The main challenge facing activism is our inability to communicate powerfully enough to ensure that the urgency of the multiple crises facing humanity is responded to with the widest possible participation and with a deep sense of urgency. While arts and culture alone will not provide salvation from the challenges we face, without harnessing the power of arts and culture we are guaranteed to fail.”

Prof Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts and Design, Tshwane University of Technology, echoes Naidoo’s sentiments, saying “Artivism is central to society and universities, harnessing the transformative power of art to address pressing social issues. It encourages critical thinking, fosters empathy and promotes dialogue across different spaces and peoples. Through artivism, universities, in particular, can engage students and communities in meaningful ways, catalysing activism and advocacy around issues that affect societies across all borders”.

“It empowers individuals to voice their experiences, challenge norms and envision a more just and inclusive society. Artivism enriches academic discourse by offering creative solutions to complex challenges, while fostering systems of understanding and social responsibility. In universities, embracing artivism not only enhances academic learning, but also cultivates future leaders who are equipped to drive positive change in the world,” adds Prof Moodley.

Copyright: Ernest Cole Family Trust.

Ernest Cole exhibition

The event will also feature an exhibition of  photographs by Ernest Cole, one of South Africa’s pioneering Black freelance photographers, known for his powerful documentation of the harsh realities of life under apartheid. Another highlight will be the international exhibition Women’s Rights Are Human Rights, organised and curated by Elizabeth Resnick, Professor Emerita of Graphic Design at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, USA.

The Women’s Rights Are Human Rights exhibition leverages the powerful medium of poster art from designers all over the globe that brings Artivism to life by addressing the intertwined nature of women’s rights and human rights.

Individuals and organisations passionate about driving social change are invited to be part of this exciting event.

For more information, to register for the conference or to inquire about sponsorship, visit https://globalartivism.com/

In a nutshell

Global Artivism Conference 2024
At the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Tshwane
From 5 to 8 September 2024

Top picture: Global Artivism Conference Colour In Faith – Courtesy of Yazmany Arboleda Studio. Ernest Cole picture: Copyright Ernest Cole Family Trust.