Envisioning Change Through Art: Funding Feminist Artivists for Social Change

Nothing happens in the real world unless it happens first in the images in our heads

Gloria Anzaldúa

For most of history, anonymous was a woman

Virginia Woolf

Abstract

This article looks at the practice of combining art and activism—‘artivism’—by feminist activist groups around the world. It argues that who tells the story matters fundamentally, that it is crucial that women, girls, and trans and intersex people represent their own experiences, and that the use of art for political advocacy can reach new audiences in new ways, opening up eyes, hearts and space for dialogue. The article argues that it is urgent that funders resource artivist work and recognize the value it has in effecting political change.