THE INTERSECTION OF ART AND ACTIVISM

If you follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter you will know that we obsess about the intersection between art and activism. 

A constant source of inspiration is the Amplifier Foundation. Some of their amazing work is featured above.

We can’t describe them better than the way they describe themselves.

“Amplifier is a design lab that builds art to amplify the voices of grassroots movements. We work with our community of social change partners, in both the for-profit and non-profit worlds, to build symbols, language, and distribution strategies that can change the national narrative. We draw from a deep portfolio of artists to commission new art, then take the work and distribute it in unparalleled numbers through creative space hacks, reaching new audiences and driving real change.”

And this is how the illustrate their model…

In recent weeks their response to COVID-19 has been an open call for art. Looking for two specific types of work, work that conveys health and safety messages to help flatten the curve through education. And second, symbols that will help promote mental health, well-being and social change in these extremely stressful times. All the details are here.

Get involved if you feel able. And if you aren’t in the space to make art, download art from their web site and spread some positivity around your online community.

And stay safe people. We will have work to do when all this starts to ease.

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Header photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

POSTAVME SA SPOLOČNE : LET’S STAND TOGETHER.

When we blogged about this film to mark Holocaust Memorial Day a few weeks ago we had no idea what would happen next.

You will need to view this film on YouTube.

A friend of ours from Slovakia, Zuzana Suchová, saw our post and got in touch.

Zuzana is a phenomenal human being. We met her when we spoke together at an event in Slovakia when she shared her digital fundraising story from the winning 2019 presidential campaign that saw the election of Slovakia’s first woman president. 

Zuzana knew that the film would be a great way to combat the rise of a vile far right, Neo-Nazi party who were polling high in the Slovakian elections. And she asked if we could help connect her to the film’s makers, because she wanted to make a Slovakian version with Slovakian sporting celebrities. Time was of the essence because when she asked us there were only 35 days until polling day.

We decided we wanted to do everything we could to make this happen. Because, we really don’t like Nazis.

A friend of ours Juliet, connected us to Malcolm, the film director who made the original film for the Holocaust Memorial Centre here in the UK.

Malcolm is amazing. He provided all the support and guidance the team in Slovakia could ever ask for. And more.

Malcolm connected us to Marc. Marc is the Interim CEO at the Holocaust Memorial Centre. Marc was also amazing, saw exactly what we were trying to do and made it very easy for us to do it.

And then Zuzana and a group of Slovak activists, filmmakers, production professionals and sports celebrities made it happen. Lots of late nights, lots of video calls and a few wobbles later they launched this. 

And they did it in less than 20 days from getting approval to launching the film.

We couldn’t be more proud of them, everyone else who collaborated to make this happen and our small role in making it happen.

And that Neo Nazi party in Slovakia? They did much worse in the elections than the polls said they would. Which is great, because we f*cking hate Nazis.

GEEK CHRISTMAS DAY

We’re not going to lie. We LOVE data. Good quality data that drives the way we think and how we identify opportunities and potential problems.

So the day that this report comes out is very special to us. And we think you will love it to.

Digital 2020 Global Digital Overview (January 2020) v01 from DataReportal

Some highlights:

• More than 4.5 billion people are using the internet at the beginning of 2020.

• 60% of the world’s population is online and it’s predicted that over 50% will be using social media by the end of the summer.

• Global internet users will cumulatively spend over 1.25 billion years online in 2020. (Wow!).

• Mobile accounts for half of all global internet use.

• Social rules, with half the time we spent online spent in social.

• Top four global social platforms are: 1) Facebook 2) YouTube 3) WhatsApp & 4) Facebook Messenger.

Our key takeout? You probably need a messaging strategy before a TikTok strategy.

Email us with your hot take. We’d love to hear it.

More information on the report can be found here Digital 2020: Global Digital Overview.

Main image: Photo by Calwaen Liew on Unsplash

STAND TOGETHER. DO SOMETHING.

Every now and again we see a film that knocks us off our feet and leaves us with the strong desire to take action.

This is one of those films.

As we approach Holocaust Memorial Day we urge you to watch it and to share it.

We all need to be an active participant in the fight against prejudice and hatred. We can all do something.

You can find out more about the film here.

And while you’re here, please go and take part in the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s #StandTogether project. All the details can be found here.

Main image: Photo by Kadir Celep on Unsplash

HOW CAN YOU HARNESS THE POWER OF PEOPLE?

If you need some January 2020 inspiration. We think we’ve found it for you.

Go get yourself a cup of something and dedicate the next eight minutes to watch this incredible video from the Sunrise Movement.

We’re OBSESSED with the concept of People Power.

Not as a call to arms or superficial rallying cry, but more of an alternative to traditional politics. We think it’s our responsibility (we’re including you in this!) to put our energies into proving to the public that they have power and lighting the path for them so they know how to use it in the most effective way possible.

How are you going to find the 3.5% of the population to get behind your cause?

Let us know if you need some help. We’re so up for it.

Main photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

CLIMATE STRIKE. SEE YOU ON THE STREETS.

No ifs. No buts. Rally is closed on the 20 September for the Global Climate Strike.

You will find us with (hopefully) thousands of others at Millbank in London. If you’re there it would be fab to say hello.

You can find details of the most local strike to you here.

And because we like to be useful, we’ve made some A3 poster and Instagram sized graphics for you to download and use.

And if you’re making your own sign. Here’s a useful guide.

Be safe and be very noisy.

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Closed photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

ARE YOU READY FOR TRUMP?

As we’re sure you all know, Donald Trump is visiting the UK next week. Because we like to be helpful, we’ve produced this simple guide to creating the best protest signs.

But don’t worry if you haven’t got the time to make your own. We’ve also produced a series of free designs for you to download, print and attach to your placard of choice.

The designs are available in a variety of sizes and colours. So, whether you’re attending the march in person or showing your support digitally – there’s something for you.

If you need the details for the London march, you can find them here.

And know your rights, this guide from Liberty has all you need to know.

Have fun, be safe and make a lot of noise.

Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash