Art and Activism: The Role of Artists in Social Justice Movements

Kakembo Aisha Annet

Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Artists have historically been at the forefront of social justice, using their creative practices to amplify marginalized voices, challenge systemic inequalities, and promote collective healing. This paper examines the evolution and contemporary relevance of art as activism, examining how artists serve as cultural catalysts in movements that span from anti-colonial struggles to climate justice and racial equity. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the paper investigates theoretical frameworks, global case studies, and the transformative impact of artistic mediums such as street art, performance, and digital expression. It also addresses the challenges artists face from censorship and burnout to commodification and exclusion. Emphasizing community engagement and participatory practices, the paper reveals how art can function not only as a mirror to society but also as a tool for reimagining and reconstructing social realities. As the digital age reshapes activism, artists continue to redefine the boundaries between aesthetic expression and political action, urging society to reckon with both its past and its possibilities for a more just future.

Keywords: Activism, Social Justice, Activist Art, Community Engagement, Street Art, Political Expression, Cultural Resistance, Participatory Art.

CITE AS: Kakembo Aisha Annet (2025). Art and Activism: The Role of Artists in Social Justice Movements. IAA Journal of Arts and Humanities 12(1):16-21. https://doi.org/10.59298/IAAJAH/2025/1211621