Artistic activism might be cutting edge but if it doesn’t deliver the goods what good is it? Research into making artistic activism more effective, and affective, is at the core of our work.
Center for Artistic Activism Research is creating a living digital global map of organizations engaged in the field of artistic activism.
Mapping Artistic Activism
Artistic Activism Research Colab
An international network of researchers studying the field of creative activism at a global level.
The Center for Artistic Activism collaboration with A Blade of Grass to inform their work supporting socially engaged art.
Research and Rebuild
Projects
Actipedia.org
Our open-source, user-generated database of over 2,000 case studies of artistic activism.
Æfficacy
A multi-year, multi-stage investigation into the affective and effective impact of artistic activism.
Field Studies
Large-scale public experiment comparing the impact of creative vs. conventional activism
Pop Culture Salvage Expeditions Podcast
A dive deep into popculture, and its relevance for artistic forms of activism.
Creative Resistance Series
A podcast covering the basics of Artistic Activism, Audience, Tactics & Strategies.
Talks, Lectures & Publications
Building scholarly and popular knowledge about the field of artistic activism.
Research News
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Impact Study Methodology
Our methodology combined quantitative and qualitative research to assess the Center for Artistic Activism’s impact. It included data collection from workshops, surveys, interviews, and evaluations. Responses were analyzed for recurring themes, which were grouped into eight categories, revealing how C4AA’s training influences strategy, creativity, community engagement, and advocacy outcomes worldwide.
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Study: 15 Years of Impact
We wanted to understand what effect we’ve had in our decade and a half of existence, so we commissioned this self-study of our impact. The project seeks to understand the Center’s impact on people and communities at multiple levels.
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Transformative Impact Framework
By analyzing data from surveys, interviews, feedback, and statements from 15 years of Center for Artistic Activism alumni, key impact themes emerged. Initially identifying 30 themes, we condensed them into eight categories.
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Journal Rappé (Senegal)
Through the training, Journal Rappe integrated structured processes and strategic planning into its creative work. This clarity improved project execution and enhanced the team’s ability to communicate strategies effectively with both internal collaborators and external stakeholders.
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SWEAT (South Africa)
The Center provided SWEAT with the tools to bridge theory and practice, enhancing both their internal team and broader movements by making their activism more strategic, effective, and creatively impactful.
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Fair Count (USA)
The training by the Center transformed Jeanine Abrams McLean’s, approach to civic engagement. She learned to integrate joy with creativity and strategic objectives, moving beyond enthusiastic efforts to structured, impactful projects.
