Slum Artivism

Casper Chigama

Facilitator

November 5, 2024 | 09:00 - 10:30

Voices from Cities - room F

House of Arts Association

Zimbabwe

English

Reference:

VC-F 1

WUF12

Voices from Cities

Summary

This event is set to be a vibrant and engaging showcase of the power of art in addressing pressing challenges faced by young people, with a particular focus on mental health, gender equality, and climate change. The event will be a celebration of creativity and expression, bringing together a diverse range of artistic mediums to highlight the potential for art to drive positive change.

The event room will also be an arts exhibition, featuring a selection of paintings and murals created by young artists from Zimbabwe, Kenya and Uganda.These artworks will serve as a visual representation of the challenges, offering a unique and compelling perspective on the challenges faced by young people in Africa. The vibrant and thought-provoking pieces will serve as a powerful backdrop for the event, setting the stage for a meaningful and impactful experience.

In addition to the visual arts, the event will also feature live music performances by talented young artists from Zimbabwe. These performances will not only showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region but also provide a platform for young musicians to share their voices and perspectives on the issues that affect them. Through the universal language of music, the event will create a sense of unity and connection, fostering an atmosphere of inspiration and empowerment.

One of the most innovative and impactful elements of the event will be the inclusion of an art therapy session focused on mental health. This session will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage in a creative and therapeutic process, using art as a means of expressing and exploring their emotions. Through guided activities and supportive facilitation, participants will be encouraged to paint their feelings on provided materials, fostering a sense of emotional release and self-discovery. This unique and immersive experience will serve as an important reminder of the therapeutic potential of art, highlighting its ability to foster mental well-being and fortitude.

The event will also feature a distinguished guest speaker, the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture from Zimbabwe. The minister will deliver a keynote address, offering insights into the government's efforts to support youth-led organizations and initiatives. This address will provide a valuable perspective on the role of art and creativity in driving social and political change, emphasizing the importance of empowering young people to address the challenges they face. The minister's presence will underscore the significance of the event, signaling a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for young artists and activists.

Overall, the event will be a dynamic and multifaceted celebration of the transformative power of art. Through a combination of visual arts, music, and interactive experiences, the event will offer a compelling and immersive exploration of the ways in which art can be harnessed to address critical issues.

Objectives

Objective 1: Raise Awareness and Foster Understanding

One of the objectives of the event is to raise awareness about the interconnected issues of mental health, gender equality, climate change and the inclusion of people with disabilities. Through the visual arts exhibition, live music performances, and art therapy sessions, the event will provide a platform for young artists to express their perspectives on these critical issues. By showcasing the diverse and compelling ways in which art can illuminate and humanize these challenges, the event aims to spark meaningful conversations and inspire action. This objective seeks to foster a deeper understanding among attendees about the impact of these issues on individuals and communities, as well as the potential for art to serve as a catalyst for positive change.

Objective 2: Empower Youth Voices and Celebrate Creativity

The event also aims to amplify the voices of young artists and activists, providing a space for them to share their experiences and insights. By featuring the work of young artists from across Africa (Zimbabwe, Kenya and Uganda) and providing a platform for live music performances, the event will empower these voices, celebrating their creativity and resilience. Through this celebration of youth expression, the event aims to foster a sense of empowerment and agency, encouraging young people to take an active role in addressing the issues that affect their lives. This objective seeks to inspire and uplift young individuals, highlighting the power of their voices and creative expressions in driving meaningful social change.

Objective 3: Promote Art as a Tool for Healing and Advocacy

The inclusion of an art therapy session focused on mental health serves as a key objective of the event. By offering attendees the opportunity to engage in a therapeutic and expressive process, the event aims to promote art as a powerful tool for healing and self-expression. Through this immersive experience, participants will be encouraged to explore the emotional dimensions of mental health, highlighting the potential for art to serve as a form of advocacy and support. The objective is to underscore the role of art in promoting mental well-being and resilience, emphasizing its capacity to foster empathy and understanding. This objective seeks to promote the use of art as a means of personal and collective healing, as well as a tool for raising awareness and advocating for mental health support and resources.

Objective 4: Promote Dialogue, Collaboration, and Policy Change

The event aims to serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among attendees. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, the event will create a space for open and inclusive conversations about the role of art in addressing social challenges. Through the keynote address by the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture from Zimbabwe, the event will also seek to foster collaboration between young artists and government initiatives, highlighting the potential for art to drive policy and systemic change. The objective is to inspire attendees to consider the ways in which art can serve as a bridge between communities and decision-makers, fostering a sense of collective action and solidarity. This objective seeks to encourage collaboration between artists, activists, and policymakers to drive meaningful policy change and address the systemic issues related to mental health, gender equality, and climate change.