Recorded September 8, 2017 at Memorial Hall Auditorium. The arts are an important tool for creating understanding, opening up dialogue, and inspiring action. In this panel held at NYC's Pratt Institute, we explore how the arts can be effectively used to create social change. Panelists introduce the concept of fostering social engagement and volunteerism by connecting public art platforms to social justice. They showcase three real-world examples of successful Art Activism projects—The Barat Foundation engages diverse communities across generations with creative arts experiences; Red Sand Project teaches about vulnerabilities that can lead to human trafficking; and Real Beauty: Uncovered creates transformational experiences around beauty, body acceptance, and self-expression. Presenters also share key principles organizers can use for producing their own Art Activism projects to engage communities and foster social action. 


The Art of Activism Presenters

• Jan Lauren Greenfield, Mixed Media Artist, Pratt alum and creator of this “Collaboration: Business, Art & Activism Series” http://www.janlaurengreenfield.com 

• Kirsten Richert, Pratt Faculty, Innovation Catalyst, Richert Innovation Consulting http://richertinnovation.com

• Molly Gochman, Experiential Artist Activist, Red Sand Project https://redsandproject.org 

• Chandri Barat, Executive Director, Barat Foundation Creation Nation http://baratfoundation.org 

• Esmilda Abreu, AVP of Student Affairs at Pratt, Co-founder, Real Beauty: Uncovered https://realbeautyuncovered.com 

• Orville Morales, Community Outreach Specialist, U.S. House of Representatives-Paterson, NJ District Office https://www.linkedin.com/in/orvillemorales