Never before have so many issues fought for our immediate attention at once.
We are on the precipice of an ecological disaster as our obsessions with plastic, fossil fuels and deforestation push the world to its limits. At least 8 million tons of plastic is entering the oceans each year, and has become so prolific at every stage of the food chain it is now being found in the fish we eat.
Governments around the world continue to try and subtly (or not) erode civil liberties. This, coupled with gentrification, mistrust and abuse of and by the political elite; along with the loss of blue collar jobs, are pushing relations between different classes to breaking point.
And can you believe that in 2018 - 100 years after (a small subsection of) women were first awarded the vote, we are still witnessing such blatant and systemic gender inequality?
However, these issues aren’t being ignored, and people the world over are coming together to rally for change. Activism is absolutely crucial in bringing these global problems to the mainstream, and we at Voice want to celebrate and highlight this advocacy work. That’s why for the next four months, we will be looking at the tools of change, and profiling some of the people who wield them.
Activism and art
For the first time, we will be running a theme across Voice and our sister site Arts Award on Voice. Together we will explore how art is integrated into these activist movements. From innovative theatre and literature exploring class and gender discrimination, to the most creative and witty protest signs, Voice and Arts Award on Voice will be working together to highlight and critique.
What’s your cause?
If there is a cause you think we should cover as we get this theme off the ground, or indeed at any point, you can contact me at [email protected].
We also invite you to add your own content to the From Voice to action Voicebox. First, make sure you are registered with an account, then go to post a blog or review. In the Voicebox drop down towards the lower part of the page, simply select From Voice to action.
Please do get in touch with Tom regarding any issues you feel passionate about. Ensuring opinion is heard is really important but the old adage that a picture tells a thousand words is true!! Telling a story through creative means often reaches parts of people and moves them in ways cold hard facts don't. It also allows difficult subjects to be explored in non threatening ways.
I look forward to seeing more on Activism and Innovation - at some point you have to stop talking about the changes you think are necessary and get out there and do something about it. Looking forward to seeing whats next.