The Art of Activism​ is a multi-artist exhibition and fundraiser for Friends of the Earth, which takes inspiration from the whimsical, darkly humorous placards that people create for demonstrations.

Friends of the Earth partnered with theprintspace and The Guardian to ask the public to submit artworks that demonstrate their passion for curbing the irreversible damage being done to our planet.

The shortlisted artworks will be exhibited at theprintspace Gallery over the next month. Artworks will also be offered as fine-art prints via The Guardian, with all profits going to Friends of the Earth to continue protecting the planet through their vital work.

Attention grabbing

Muna Suleiman, campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: “Friends of the Earth has a long history of environmental activism at a grassroots level. Time and time again we’ve found that the voices of people and communities can lead to big changes for the good.

“Art and design have always been important in activism, making sure that campaigns and demands grab people’s attention and settle in their memory. We’re excited to team up with theprintspace to celebrate the passion of artists and activists, and can’t wait to see people’s creations!” 

Stuart Waplington, CEO of theprintspace, said: “The climate crisis is real and immediate. Change must happen now if we are to have a hope of achieving a sustainable society.

“At theprintspace it’s fair to say we have had a massive realisation that this problem is so urgent that it requires everyone to act immediately. As Greta Thunberg says, I don’t want your hope, I want you to panic.” 

The press statement added: “It would be nice to think that governments might act on the current crisis we face, but so far they have proved woefully unable to grasp the seriousness of the task.

“They talk about what is possible rather than what is absolutely necessary, so it now falls to us to ditch the cult of individualism and unite as a community to save the future of our planet.”

The open call for submissions has now closed. Opening night is this Thursday 19 September at theprintworks, 7.30-9.30. The exhibition and charity print sale will run from 20 September to 15 October 2019. 

This Author 

Marianne Brooker is The Ecologist’s content editor. This article is based on a press release from theprintspace. 

Image: Fabric Florin, Flickr.