Intro
Last night Greenpeace hosted a training on how to use visual art as creative resistance
This toolkit will provide everything you need to catch up if you missed the call.
We hope to keep growing and expanding our impact, from calling on Congress to holding corporations responsible for polluting our communities and ecosystems. Our action doesn’t stop at the call.
Below is everything you need to take action with Greenpeace!
What we learned
KNOW: How to work with existing materials you have in your house to use visual art as creative resistance.
DO: use personal and public spaces to amplify your messages, direct public action, or spread positive vibes.
FEEL: empowered to stay connected to your communities while social distancing and able to activate household materials for strategic messaging.
Why art?
How do taking action and art collide?
- Helps us tell our own story by creating a visual voice of communities
- Creates solidarity
- Directs folks to resources and mutual aid (connection)
- Inspires hope and positivity
- Helps mobilize communities
Process
This is a critical moment to stay connected, stay creative and continue to amplify messages of resistance and solidarity.
We’re taking our collective activism online — join us so we can keep up our activism together!
Types of signs:
- Yard signs
- Banners
- Chalk
- Collage
- Wheatpasting
- 3D cardboard
Before you start, follow these steps:
- Gather materials ( cardboard, paint, blade, markers. Paint. paintbrush)
- Clear a space to work and cut. ( pad a table with cardboard or use a cutting mat)
- Paint a flat white or any other color for a base
- Draw the shape of your sign and cut it out
- Outline shape in black for popping effect
- Get your message in there.
- Can cover in packing tape to “laminate”
- Put the tape for hanging on the sign before leaving the house!
- Put your sign where people will see it!
- PHOTOGRAPH YOUR SIGN IN REAL SPACE. Share it online!
Remember, taking creative action is essential during this time. Start by asking yourself, “What message do I feel moved to share?”
Art takes time
- Artists have different ways of process and practice
- Big picture or backward planning.
- Start by asking these next set questions
Where, why, who, how and what?
- Things to consider in making Action Art
- Examples of what has worked and what fell short
- Words used: Culture jamming, bird dogging, direct communication
Where is your art going to go?
- Personal property, wearable?
- Windows or doors
- A community garden gate?
- Strategic targets of “essential business”, places everyone needs to go have HIGH VISIBILITY odds.
- Supermarkets, Laundromats, Hardware stores, or Gas stations.
Why does it go there?
- High traffic area so it gets attention
- Issue that speaks to folx in that area
- Inspires hope, creates solidarity
- Creates awareness
- Starts a conversation
How is it going to be compelling?
- Does the message or visual speak to a certain audience?
- Does is evoke emotion? Sadness, humor, anger
What do you hope your art gains?
- Viewers will take initiative to get involved
- Will they gain knowledge and insight about a cause they will then share
- Inspiration to use their own voice and visuals
- A new sense of community connection
How will folks get involved from your art?
- Will it inspire them to make art
- Will they make personal changes…like changes in consumption
- How and Where will you direct their attention once you have it?
- Will the message spread virtually via hashtagging?
Examples & Resources
Examples:
Stay in the loop & Join future calls
Take Action Tuesdays are new, so make sure to stay in the loop.
- Check out our other calls – including Earth Day Live next week and then Take Action Tuesday – in our volunteer call calendar!
- Join our Greenpeace Action Calls where we will learn together, take action together, and build community during these difficult times. Sign up here to access our Volunteer Call Calendar and get updates on upcoming opportunities!
- Join our Greenpeace slack to talk with other Greenpeace volunteers, ask questions and be the first to hear about new opportunities to take action.
- Weren’t able to make the call? Check out the slides. Watch the recording.
Thank you for taking action & staying positive,
Supporter Mobilization (SupMob) Team at Greenpeace USA
Got any questions?
Supporter Mobilization Team in a recent Zoom Meeting
If you have any questions or run into any issues, reach out to the Supporter Mobilization Team at [email protected]