Angry Protestor or Creative Changemaker? A New Activism Definition

Last Updated on August 26, 2025

For many, the activism definition is an angry protestor. Instead, creative activism harnesses the power of art to inspire action.

According to Merriam-Webster, the activism definition is

 “a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action, especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue.”

The root of activism is ‘active,’ which indicates taking steps such as challenging the status quo and advocating for change. However, the inclusion of ‘vigorous’ and ‘controversial’ makes this activism definition lean toward negativity.

When you think of your own activism definition, what comes to mind? For many, the image of an angry protestor shouting slogans and waving signs is the first thing that springs to mind. While protesting is essential, let’s redefine what it means to be an activist.

Activism doesn’t always include a protest sign. Sometimes, it uses an embroidery needle.

“If we want our world to be more beautiful, kind and fair, let’s try to make our activism more beautiful, kind and fair. It sometimes feels like the only way to create change is to stand up and fight for the world we want to see. To march under giant banners and shout to have our voices heard. There’s time for the loud, there’s also time for the quiet.” ~ Sarah Corbett, activist and director of the Craftivist Collective

Beyond the Bullhorn: Redefining the Activism Definition

At its core, activism is taking action to bring about positive change. Traditional activism techniques have their place, but creative activism is expanding the activism definition. Creative activism can take many forms. Instead of relying only on traditional forms of activism, activists harness the power of art, craft, and storytelling to inspire action.

A New Activism Definition: How Creative Activism is Reshaping Change

Craftivism is an example of creative activism—a term coined by writer and activist Betsy Greer in 2003. Craftivism marries crafting and activism to create positive social change. It’s a gentle yet impactful way to make change.

Take, for example, the work of the Craftivist Collective. This global movement seeks to engage people in craftivism, or “gentle protest.” Founded by a former professional campaigner, Sarah Corbett, the Craftivist Collective encourages individuals to use slow, thoughtful crafting techniques to create handmade artifacts that convey powerful messages about social justice and sustainability.

Through projects like stitching messages onto handkerchiefs or creating intricate embroidery pieces with thought-provoking slogans, craftivists engage with complex issues in a contemplative way.

Weaving Change with Creativity: Examples of Creative Activism

Activists worldwide use their creative skills to make bold statements and spark conversations. The realm of creative activism is vast. Here are craftivism examples to inspire you:

• Yarn bombing involves strategically placing knitted or crocheted installations in public spaces. While temporary, these whimsical and vibrant yarn installations force viewers to confront serious issues.

 

• Embroidery: When someone sees an exquisite embroidery project with a bold reproductive rights message, it stops them in their tracks and makes them think. The combination of skill and passion behind each creation makes them impossible to ignore. For example, Sarah Corbett used embroidery to send a board of directors a message about instituting a living wage. It worked.
• Quilting: Karyl Chastain Beal lost her daughter to suicide. To process her grief, she turned to her passion, quilting. To honor her daughter, Beal created a memorial quilt square. Then, she asked others who lost loved ones to suicide to do the same. Each square carries an emotionally raw story of loss. After the quilt was displayed for suicide awareness, this effort went nationwide.

Get Inspired by Other Forms of Creative Activism

• Street Art and Murals: Powerful murals and street art can become effective symbols of a cause. French artist JR uses giant photographs as street art activism. Then, he launched a campaign to help others do the same.
• Guerilla Gardening: With guerilla gardening, environmentalists transform neglected urban spaces into vibrant gardens. It not only beautifies communities but also promotes environmental awareness and food security. Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA, in abandoned lots, on traffic medians, and along the curbs.

• Dance: The Wheelchair Dancers Organization provides opportunities and an inclusive environment for all abilities, ages, and backgrounds.
• Writing: With just a few carefully chosen words, poets can bring awareness to social justice issues. A lovely example is Amanda Gorman, who recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” at President Biden’s inauguration.
• Documentary Filmmaking: Documentaries can be powerful tools for education and advocacy. They can give voice to the voiceless, expose injustices, and inspire action. Rodney “Red” Grant created “Don’t Shoot Guns, Shoot Cameras” to develop underserved youth’s social and emotional skills through filmmaking.  Another example is “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution,” an Academy Award-nominated film that highlights a summer camp that was a hotbed for disability activists.
• Performance Art and Theater: Performance artists can create thought-provoking and impactful pieces that raise awareness and spark conversations using their bodies as ‘canvases.’ Others use the power of theater to change minds.  An example is Legislative Theater, where the audience gets involved in solving problems.
• Photography: Photography is a wonderful way to bring awareness to a cause in a way that words alone cannot. Navajo photographer Will Wilson highlights the problems of uranium waste.
• Music: Music has always been a part of activism. A recent example is the LA band, Sage Against the Machine, who play music about their passion, native plants. One title is “Munching Milkweed.”

“We’re all very serious musicians who, behind the scenes, are entangled in botany and restoration,” Ramirez said. “That’s kind of our passion. We’re playing music to express our passion.”

Why Creative Activism is Changing the Activism Definition

Creative activism is changing the stereotypical definition of activism. Here are a few reasons:

Accessibility: Creative activism opens the door to more people. Not everyone feels comfortable standing on a soapbox or attending a march. Instead, they can express themselves doing what they love. Tapping into your talents may draw you to activism when marching never would.

Engagement: Creative activism can capture attention and spark dialogue in a way that traditional activism sometimes cannot. Rather than shouting, it’s about starting conversations. People notice when you wear a homemade hat or carry a crafted bag. They ask questions and learn about your cause. It is an approachable way to transcend traditional boundaries and reach people at a deeper level.

Community Building: Creative activism often fosters community through shared purpose. Working together on a project creates solid bonds and fosters a sense of ownership.

Innovation: Creative activism allows for fresh and innovative approaches to social change. A cross-stitched message on a handkerchief, a yarn-bombed tree, or a mural painted on a city wall carry messages that challenge norms. This subtle but impactful approach subverts expectations, allowing you to inspire new solutions to old problems.

Find Your Creative Spark

Feeling inspired to get involved in creative activism? Here are some tips from the 5-Step Activism Path to help you get started:

• Identify your cause: What is the cause closest to your heart?
• Explore your talents: What creative skills do you bring to the table?
• Do activism you love: Find an activism method that motivates you.
• Maximize your impact: Where can you make the most impact among your opportunities for change?
• Set yourself up for success: Set goals to stay on track and have a well-being plan to keep you motivated.

[Learn more about the 5-Step Activism Path Books.]

The Future of Creative Activism

When I attended the first women’s march in DC, I was enchanted by the protest signs. Ironically, even though protesting is a traditional activism technique, crafting a protest sign can be creative activism. A protest sign message is a metaphorical expression of the cause closest to your heart.

The activism definition is not confined to the stereotype of angry protestors because creativity helps build a just world.  Creative activists reimagine the way to make change so it stems from a place of passion.

How do you use your creative skills for activism?

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