Art As Activism Toolkit
Creativity as a Force for Change
Empowering people through creative activism since 2018
THE ORIGIN STORY
The Art As Activism Toolkit emerged in 2018 as part of the Pankhurst in the Park programme curated by Alexandra Arts, commemorating the centenary of women's suffrage in the UK. What began as an exploration of the profound connection between creativity and activism evolved into a hands-on resource empowering young people to use art as a catalyst for social change.
Early workshops at St. Mary's Primary School in Moss Side united children, teachers, and communities in creating protest banners, badges, and wearable messages for causes they championed. It represented activism in its purest form: hopeful, handmade, and fuelled by imagination. In 2019, the toolkit reached broader audiences through Manchester Art Gallery and Manchester International Festival's commission of 'School of Integration' by renowned Cuban artist and activist Tania Bruguera.
When the pandemic arrived, the in-person activities paused, but the vision underwent a profound transformation. What began as a celebration of historical activism became a journey inward—toward healing and sustainable change.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
Today, the Art As Activism Toolkit has reemerged with renewed purpose and energy. In 2024, it returned to schools and galleries, inspiring creativity as a powerful force for positive change.
AAA T-shirts and badges—inspired by my collaboration with St. Mary's Primary School in Moss Side—are now available at the Whitworth Art Gallery shop as part of the acclaimed 'Women in Revolt' exhibition (running until June 1, 2025). Every purchase directly funds the next chapter of our journey.
Workshop offerings continue to expand, from the age-friendly 'Handmade' sessions at The Whitworth to school-based programs cantered on mindful creative expression. Through these diverse initiatives, the AAA Toolkit creates space for reimagining the concept of activism itself.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Peace Movement Remix
The Peace Movement Remix represents the next evolution of the AAA Toolkit—born not from strength but from surrender, from personal burnout and the weight of global crises.
It's returning to where it all began: St. Mary's Primary School in Moss Side, one of the most deprived areas in the UK. This time, however, the scope is expanding to include not just students but also staff and their families, creating an intergenerational approach to peace activism that bridges generations and experiences.
The new pilot will address vital family issues like conflict resolution and forgiveness. Just as the original toolkit was aligned with UNICEF's Convention on the Rights of the Child (supporting St. Mary's status as a Gold Rights Respecting school), this evolution will continue that commitment while broadening the conversation to encompass universal human rights.
This initiative offers a transformative proposition: while the traditional Peace Movement focused primarily on opposing external conflict, the Peace Movement Remix recognises that lasting change begins with a transformation of perception. We don't just try to change the world—we change how we see and engage with it.
For those overwhelmed by the world's chaos, for educators, artists, and dreamers who have fought and burned out, the Peace Movement Remix provides tools to cultivate a foundation of inner peace that naturally radiates outward. The philosophy is simple yet profound: "For us to have peace in this world, we need to start with ourselves."
By creating resources for all ages, we're fostering inner stillness, resilience, and compassion. This isn't about turning away from injustice—it's about responding with a clarity that only comes from deep listening and self-awareness. It's activism in a new key.
Support the Movement
What you see today is just the beginning. We're currently seeking funding to develop and trial materials for this next phase, welcoming volunteers and supporters who resonate with this vision of change that starts from within and creates ripples throughout our communities.
This is not about dropping out. It's about tuning in. And you're invited to join the remix.
Volunteer to trial the Toolkit?
