Creative Activism Research, Pedagogy and Practice

This collection explores the growing global recognition of creativity and the arts as vital to social movements and change. Bringing together diverse perspectives from leading academics and practitioners who investigate how creative activism is deployed, taught, and critically analysed, it delineates the key parameters of this emerging field.

Dr Elspeth Tilley teaches theatre and creative activism at Massey University in New Zealand, and is a multi-award-winning playwright. She has led numerous performative social change projects including on youth incarceration, sexual consent and homelessness. Elspeth produces Climate Change Theatre Action Aotearoa and founded Create1World, a creative activism youth conference.

“Creative Activism Research, Pedagogy and Practice is a collection of writings that is international in scope. It represents multiple voices, various cultures, and thought- provoking visions for the future. [...] There is something for everyone interested in the fusion of activism and creativity. Themes range from philosophy and theory around the idea of creative activism to in-depth research on topics such as pedagogy and ethnography. Theater, dance journalism, puppetry, somatics, and trauma are included themes. In a global environment where equity and social justice are gaining strength, this anthology offers hope and inspiration for the future of the planet through the arts, challenging conventions and offering diverse manifestations of creative options. As a teacher of choreography influenced by social activism, I am inspired to share this work with my students as we engage in dance making through various lenses.”
Adrienne M. Wilson, MFA, CET
Department of Theatre and Dance, Auburn University, USA; Journal of Dance Education

Deniz Başar

Karen Berger

Kelly Ka-Lai Chan

Jaz Hee-Jeong Choi

Rosemary (Rosa) Cisneros

Tui Nicola Clery

Gretchen Coombs

Liz Cunningham

Gabrielle Donnelly

Alison East

Christopher Falliers

Moira Fortin