Artivism

The Artivism mural on Cathedral Street, which is part of the University of Strathclyde campus, stands as a vibrant testament to the power of creative expression in addressing social issues. Created by care experienced young people, this mural comprises of six adjoining panels, each reflecting the progression of visual styles of societal changes across different historical periods. 

This mural features a mix of imagery and text from adverts, flyers, news reports and posters. One of its key themes is representation, empowerment and the continuous relevance of past and present social justice movements. By highlighting these themes, the mural draws attention to the on going struggles for equality and justice, creating a dialogue between history and modern day issues. 










The involvement of care-experienced young people in the murals creation ensures that it conveys authentic insights into the challenges faced by the voices which often remain unheard. This collaboration has not only produced a powerful piece of art but has also given these young people a platform to express their experiences and perspectives. As highlighted by CELCIS blog, "engaging in artivism helps young people find their voice and contribute to social change". The collaboration between artists, young people and community organisations highlights the transformative power of art in building a more just society.

This artwork reshapes Cathedral Street into a space of reflection and inspiration. It encourages people walking past to engage with the stories and messages depicted, fostering a greater understanding and empathy for the issues at hand. The mural being in the University of Strathclyde campus, stands as a tribute to the resilience and creativity of young people and their role in shaping a more inclusive society. It is a vivid example of how artivism can drive social change by brining crucial conversations into public spaces. 



Sources: 

https://www.citycentremuraltrail.co.uk/murals/muralabout/80

https://www.celcis.org/knowledge-bank/search-bank/blog/face-wall-how-embracing-artivism-can-help-young-people-find-their-voice






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