Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Power of Art to Ignite Social Change
Photo credit: Canva
By Lindsay Bissett
“For me, I really feel – as someone who grew up with very little access to our history through the education system – I feel compelled to witness and articulate and in some way visually mark current history.” – Rebecca Belmore, Anishinaabekwe Artist
Hidden Figures, Seahorse, She Said, Call Jane, Indian Horse, Smoke Signals. What do all these films have in common? They are examples of art and culture as advocacy.
Art can take many forms. From Frida Kahlo’s paintings to Rupi Kaur’s poetry, from the incredible words of Thomas King writing Inconvenient Indian to the lyrics by Childish Gambino in This is America, artists have been sharing stories and creating awareness through their creativity for countless years.
When art expands our minds, it can be a driver for positive change.
Why art?
As the old saying goes, a picture says 1000 words. The goal of art is to make us feel something. And, sometimes to make us think.
Marie Claire Magazine has a fantastic feature piece about female artists whose art has become part of larger movements for social and environmental change. From women’s rights to gender equity and climate change, today’s artists are using their mediums to get messages across. In a world where the goal to “become viral” is ever present, these women are achieving it, and with impact.
The image below is part of a collaboration between artist Hanifa Abdul Hameed, Nik Dodani, Vineet Chhibber and Meena Harris' brand Phenomenal. It’s an example of how when art and culture meet, the result can be an important message. In this case, in reaching out to South Asian voters in the last US presidential election.
In this article Lakshmi Sharma writes…
“During the Biden-Harris political campaign, Harris' auntie status — as an elder female authority figure worthy of respect — was not only acknowledged but made its way onto a sweatshirt as part of an effort targeting South Asian voters. “Vote for Aunty” the text of the sweatshirt reads…In the instantly iconic image, Harris also wears a Bindi, and mehndi can be seen on her hand — both nods to her Indian heritage.”
Art is personal.
Since I was a very young child I have always been drawn to art. Even lighthearted art can be what we need, I often lean back into Charles Schultz via Snoopy thinking “Keep looking up.. that’s the secret of life..”
Maybe my heart is drawn to the nostalgia of that familiar beagle sitting on his house. During times when I am feeling conflicted, when the world feels heavy as it does so often lately, I am reminded to keep looking up, sometimes metaphorically and sometimes literally. Keep going, keep fighting, keep having hope for positive change, or maybe like Dory says, keep swimming.
It’s important to note that not everything is for everyone and that’s ok – it doesn’t reduce the value. Some people may connect more with Thomas King or Frida Kahlo, while some may have their inspiration sparked by Childish Gambino. Whatever it is for you, that is perfect. Let art spark curiosity. Whatever doesn’t ignite your interest may ignite someone else’s. Art is not universal; it has never been. Lean into the art that draws you in. Find meaning and extend that into your actions and your life.
Art knows no limits. Neither should we.
About Lindsay Bissett:
By day Lindsay is a Wellness and Disability Management Consultant, with a flair for social media and mental health advocacy. By night she is a mother of two, green smoothie aficionado, podcast listener, and active glamper.
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