Today let's take a look at how art has brought about awareness and change through history. Recently we have seen an increase in what is sometimes referred to as craftivism, using art and craft express one's beliefs. Many people may feel art has no place in the political realm, but nonetheless throughout history, art and craft have been used as powerful tools for protest, resistance, and social change. Creative expression allows people to share ideas, challenge injustice, and unite communities around a cause. Whether through music, textiles, posters, or public art, artists and makers have helped raise awareness and inspire action when traditional voices were ignored or silenced.
During the era of slavery in the United States, art and craft played an important role in preserving culture and communicating hope. Oral traditions, spiritual songs, and storytelling were used by enslaved people to express resilience and a desire for freedom. Some historians believe that certain quilt patterns may have been used to share information along the Underground Railroad. Regardless, quilting became an important cultural craft that reflected identity, community, and survival.
The women's suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries made extensive use of art and design. Activists created embroidered banners, hand-sewn flags, posters, buttons, and postcards to spread their message and gain public support. These visual materials helped make the movement more visible and gave women a creative way to participate in political action. Purple, white, and green became recognizable colors associated with the fight for voting rights in many countries.
Martha Christopher used Cat Kerr's Starman/Starwoman stencil, Carolyn Dube's Strong Women stencil, and Trish McKinney's Flowing Ribbon Swirls stencil to create this piece inspired by "the women who always found a way to persevere and who paved the way for other women."
In the 20th century, protest art became closely linked to civil rights and social justice movements. During the Civil Rights Movement, songs such as "We Shall Overcome" became symbols of unity and resistance. Photographers documented marches and demonstrations, creating powerful images that helped draw attention to racial inequality. Posters, murals, and graphic designs were also used to communicate messages of equality and justice to a wider audience.
Craft-based activism continued to grow in the late 20th century. One notable example is the AIDS Memorial Quilt, created in 1987 to honor those who died from AIDS and to raise awareness about the epidemic. Each panel was handmade and represented an individual life, turning a traditional craft into a large-scale public statement. Similar community-based textile projects have since been used to address issues such as violence, human rights, and environmental concerns.
Today, artists and activists use many different forms of creative expression, including street art, performance art, digital illustration, photography, and community murals. Public artworks often respond to current events, from climate activism to movements for racial and gender equality. Social media has also expanded the reach of protest art, allowing images and messages to be shared instantly around the world.
From spiritual songs and suffrage banners to memorial quilts and street murals, art and craft have consistently helped people speak out against injustice. These creative forms of protest not only document important moments in history but also encourage dialogue, empathy, and collective action. Their lasting impact shows how creativity can be a powerful force for social change.
We would like to thank our artists who participated in making the examples of craftivism seen here. You can find them each on instagram at the following links:
And of course, you can find all of the stencils used at stencilgirlproducts.com
