Staff Writer
In the heart of Tshwane – a city whose name symbolizes unity – a powerful new community has taken shape.
The Inaugural Global Artivism Conference brought together a diverse chorus of voices, united by a common mission: to harness the power of art for social change.
Inspired by the late Rikhado ‘Riky Rick’ Makhado, an artist and activist whose music championed justice and humanity, this groundbreaking event honoured his legacy through the Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism.
His call to question authority and imagine a more just, connected world echoed through the halls of Pretoria, as artivists gathered to channel their creativity into meaningful action.
The Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism, collaborated with Global Commons Alliance, Community Arts Network (CAN) and Tshwane University of Technology in the convening of this conference.
What made this conference unique was its spirit of inclusivity and connection. From 89 countries, artists, activists, and changemakers shared their stories, art, and solutions, forging new relationships that transcended age, background, and borders. With over 1,000 virtual attendees, 2066 unique views and over 800 in-person delegates, the energy was palpable, and the conversations electric. The Global Artivism Conference wasn’t just about discussion; it was a vibrant call to action, infused with joy, hope, and determination to create real change.
For three days, the CSIR International Convention Centre became a hotbed of creative action and collaboration. Participants exchanged ideas in an atmosphere charged with urgency, but also with playfulness and exploration. The power of art to address the pressing challenges of our time—whether political, social, or environmental—was demonstrated in real time.
The presentations delivered at the conference, encompassing a vast array of topics and approaches, left audiences enlightened and energised, and opened up new avenues to explore in the fight for justice. The musical performances were equally impactful, luring audiences in with irresistible beats while imparting crucial, poignant messages.
With art and activism intertwining to push boundaries, the event set a powerful precedent for what comes next. As the global artivism movement grows, the impact of this inaugural event serves as a reminder: when art and action unite, the possibilities for change are endless. This is just the beginning.
The Inaugural Global Artivism Conference marks the start of an exciting new chapter. Let’s continue to amplify these voices, nurture this global community, and work toward a future where art and activism build a more just world. Join the stakeholder forum and be part of the movement!
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