Title: Cultural Resistance: The arts of protest | New Tactics in Human Rights
Headings: Cultural Resistance: The arts of protest
Cultural Resistance: The arts of protest
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Tactics shared:

Content: Using large, visible, beautiful props creates a statement -- especially when authorities attempt to publicly dismantle such works of art. Activists can take advantage of an inevitable or expected police presence by creating a spectacle that demonstrates the intolerance of the people or institution being protested. One participant shared an inspiring story in which a police officer’s attempt at limitation and censorship of protest tools in fact lead him to create a more dangerous prop. Because creative cultural resistance can provoke opposing forces, it is important that artists/activists are aware of real dangers they face and take action accordingly; such actions can include warning other practitioners of creative resistance about potential restrictions or threats, seeking resources and protection, or reorganizing in a less threatening manner. In addition to creative mechanisms, practitioners of creative resistance should be aware of and prevent potential negative consequences of their work. When depicting certain issues, places, and people, artist-activists should avoid perpetuating stereotypical, racist, sexist, and classist representations and messages in their works. By communicating and working together, the people for whom artists advocate will more likely approve of and be empowered by the works, and artists can stand behind their productions with confidence. Finally, it is also important to promote sustainable tactics within a movement by using local materials that do not cause environmental harm or social unrest. Resources to help practitioners apply cultural resistance tactics to their work: