Artivism

Artivism is the intersection of art and activism. It empowers youth to curate and create art grounded in the act of “doing” to advance social justice issues. In collaboration with professional Dallas artists and activists, youth are educated on the social issues of their choice, empowered to express their thoughts through original artwork, and inspired to create change through community service and grassroots organizing.  Youth collaborate and work individually within a Visual or Performing Arts Track. The Visual Track will expose Artivism youth to the art of photography, textiles, digital, and traditional painting, and design. The Performing Arts Track will consist of music production, traditional drumming, movement, and spoken word. Each week of the month will have an overarching primary focus and will go as follows:

Youth-Led Discussion & Issue Awareness

Youth will gain a deeper understanding of the implications of different social issues and engage in brave, solution-oriented conversations with Artivism Teaching Artists and their peers.

Informed Creative Action

Youth will use what they've learned to inform and inspire change within their community through artistic expression.

Service-Learning and Creative Enrichment

In partnership with local artists and community organizations, Artivism youth will engage in off-campus, culturally relevant service activities and art projects that address community needs.

Project Based Learning

Under the mentorship of the Artivism team, youth will work as individuals to design a final project response to a societal issue of interest or importance in their lives. Final projects will be judged at the end-of-year showcase by activists and artists in the community.

Art. Educate. Activate. Artivism is a program designed, led, and inspired by our young people. In the summer of 2016, during nationwide protests against police brutality, the youth at Big Thought wanted to be the change. They took the lead and created Artivism, giving our youth dynamic opportunities to engage with and advocate for their community. Derived from the same students who walked out of their school doors protesting unhealthy and unsafe learning conditions, the young people of Oak Cliff have a history of addressing and rejecting inequity. We are excited to host Artivism programming in partnership with For Oak Cliff, the Dallas mecca for youth advocacy work. Formally the Moorland YMCA, For Oak Cliff has historically served as the community’s social, civic, and political center hosting entities such as the NAACP and the Dallas Committee for Full Citizenship and sheltering traveling activists and political leaders such as Muhammad Ali and Justice Thurgood Marshall. We are so excited to continue to perpetuate change within the walls of a landmark such as For Oak Cliff. Together, let’s continue to explore the external and internal connections we have to our community— embracing bold conversations and creatively creating change.