craft + political activism = craftivism*
The “godmother of craftivism”, Betsy Greer, created the term craftivism in the early 2000s. Craftivism is activism that uses craft as a tool to engage the public in political issues.
Craftivism is based on the premise of making public, creative actions to make a difference in the world, whether around big subjects (massive and crucial issues such as climate change), or small gestures (making a neighbour smile by beautifying the neighbourhood with yarn art).
Craftivists do it in public! Many craftivists sit and create their projects in public places so as to engage passersbys in dialogue about current socio-political issues. Due to it’s visibility and emphasis on playfulness and beauty, craftivism invites the public to peacefully engage in potentially divisive political issues and injustices, while inspiring individuals to ponder on how they can be part of the solution.
Craftivism empowers us to realise that we can each contribute to positive change in the world, that our voice or our creative project can awaken people to engaging more deeply on issues impacting life on this planet.
*Betsy Greer
Check out these craftivist resources:
Articles on craftivism:
- Knitting For Black Liberation
- The art of effective protest: from flamenco flash mobs to craftivism
- Neo-Craftivism Exhibition
- Craftivism: The Art of Advocacy
- The Rise Of Craftivism: Weaving Together The Political and The Deeply Personal
- Making Crafts To Make Conversation
Craftivism for homelessness: