Poetic Revolution
¡Pueblo indolente! ¡Cuán distinta sería hoy vuestra suerte si conocierais el precio de la libertad!
Art, Activism, and Storytelling in the Immigrant Rights Movement
From Resistance to Existensialism: Creating our Collective Memory and Future
Humanity has been immigrating and trading for centuries, and art has been a part of this journey. From Andean textiles to salseros in the Bronx, storytelling and our creative expression fuel an international movement
On this article we’ll share a few inspiring examples, and some practical ideas to try in your community
Philosophy and why
The evolution of human rights has evolved at different speeds in each community. Discussing what it means to be human. Who belongs? Who deserves dignity? Is a fight beyond the legalese
Many Indigenous traditions begin with the idea that we are one with nature. As stewards of the land is our sacred duty to protect life and peace, while Western traditions center individualism and hierarchies. But at large, we see a growing tendency from exclusion to compassion, from punishment to liberation theology
We begin with philosophy. To manifest the world we’re building
While some artists are classically trained and a few get to do art full time, many contributions to the genre come from activists, designers, and educators that approach it as a civic responsibility. Equally, while many popular songs and paintings seem joyful and encouraging, there are many nihilists that find their audience. There is a growing diversity of experiences, journeys and invitations to reinvent the meaning of art itself
Having more representation of immigrant voices in fine art spaces will continue increasing, as friends keep opening doors for each other. With easy access to materials, online education and ecommerce, contributing to higher reach and community building. Livestreaming and social media forums being a valid form of cross border community organizing
Seeing thoughtful art by survivors, refugees, and activists in global festivals is a sign of changing times. It is clear that these messages have popular support, and the people are calling for pragmatic next steps
Be heard. If your voice is often ignored. Say it louder
We are here.
Posters and screen print
Screen printing is a popular technique to make t-shirts, posters, in high quality and manageable amounts. It is easy to get the blank screens and acrylic paint, or send your designs to a print lab to do it for a small fee.
A large screen can have smaller designs that you can apply separately. Because it is so interactive and easy to do, is a good activity to bring to events, where people can add new designs to their clothes and accessories
I include block prints and stamps in this category, the design is usually similar, and you can create elaborate and unique pieces by combining screens and stamps. In an afternoon gathering, volunteers can bring their t-shirts and notebooks, and now you all look like a serious conglomerate
Zines and printers
For hundreds of years now, print has been the most accessible form of storytelling. Poets, doctors, and organizers have reproduced pages mechanically to share a message, galvanize supporter, and overthrow monarchs. Printing is meant to be fairly cheap, fast, and replicable; where the internet is available, many share their writings online in blogs or PDF attachments
Zines usually refers to a community effort. Where curators include poetry, news, short stories, drawings, and resources into a handmade publication. Designing in a copy machine with scissors and collage is really fun and reminiscent of the early days of rayograms
Because of the low barrier, it is also hard to censor and it allows for communities to remain connected. Stickers are also a great way to promote brand and mission awareness in a local community
Murals, Grants, and Large Commissions
Internationally, walls have become open-air museums of resistance. They make neighborhoods beautiful and tell stories of survival, resilience, and joy. While traditionally tagging has been underground and covert, lots of places now even offer international travel grants to selected artists
A good way to break into murals is by looking for grants, or getting permission from local business owners to decorate their walls. Having stipends and funding for materials, as well as tranquility during work hours is a great start to a career and offers community engagement, murals stay longer as landmarks
Artists like Eduardo Kobra, and many others from across the diaspora, have used their skills to secure high-profile commissions, becoming political landmarks, and beacons of hope
Song and rhythm
Beyond the visual, immigrant communities have always relied on music and oral storytelling to carry wisdom and values across generations. Trovas, décimas, corridos, and freestyle rhymes are living archives
Songs teach us about our ancestors, about injustice, about victories, about who we are. And our rhythms have traveled from Africa carrying along new sounds and instruments at every step
Community activations
The immigrant rights movement is about joy, humanity, and remembering we need to collaborate to act for the planet. It promotes a culture of dignity, abundance, memory, and possibility
Creating or supporting initiatives in your community contributes to its cohesion, resilience and legacy. Street parties, BBQs, raves, cooperating for a reality we want to manifest are traditional activities you can easily get involved with
Posters With a simple block print, practice geometrical designs, easier to print a few copies to give away, leave in community boards or farmer’s market
Journaling activities With friends, neighbors, or fellow volunteers. Gather stories, drawings, and poetry to curate a local zine or online forum
Mural funds. Checkout opportunities for community grants, murals, and programs by the local arts council
Song lyrics and recordings. Document unique songs and stories from your community, recipes and wealth advice
Invest in artists. Support artists livelihood in your community, or partner with immigrant's organizations to materialize change
Our fights are ancient. Our ancestors left blueprints, in the weavings, in the verses
Reimagine the lessons, share them
¡Colombianos, las armas os han dado la independencia, las leyes os darán la libertad!
Francisco de Paula Santander
¡Pueblo indolente! ¡Cuán distinta sería hoy vuestra suerte si conocierais el precio de la libertad!
Policarpa Salavarrieta
Reference
Books
la linea negra, paisajes sagrados de la sierra nevada de santa marta
Turn Your Life Into Art: Lessons in Psychomagic from the San Francisco Underground
Articles
A arte enquanto potenciadora de inclusão social de refugiados e imigrantes
La resistencia desde el arte como práctica cultural en la ciudad
LAS ARTES COMO FORMA DE RESISTENCIA EN TIEMPOS PANDÉMICOS
How Indigenous Architects, Artists, and Activists Are Using Design to Restore Tribal Sovereignty
The power of slogans: using protest writings in social movement research
ACLU: Know your rights protests signs
Organizations
Columbia County Sanctuary Movement