Creative Activism

Many European cities with large global populations use art and street art as a form of expression. They are creative strategies used to express important aspects of social and political life in these cities and are a form of activism that brings light to the issues faced in a community. I think that art as expression and creative activism is an interesting way to create a narrative of the populations in cities, especially those who cannot usually express their grievances in society. It creates a space for communismalism and to create a shared identity. People are using creative tactics to transform their city into one of urban and political expression.

However, as companies begin to use guerilla-like art in their marketing and create a more mainstream version of this creative activism. The use of art through manufacturing by companies makes art more mainstream and provides a city state more art throughout the streets. The mainstreaming of this art, however, can make some of the street art less about cultural and religious expression and more about tourist consumption. This process is also affected by gentrification.

Due to the increased levels of art in cities, and some of this art is created by companies, does that mean that this form of art has less meaning now? Does the dispersal of creative activism give is more legitimacy or less legitimacy? Will street art and other forms of political activism continue in these European cities? How will landscapes with large amount of street art (like those found in Berlin) change if creative activism decreases? What other ways will communities find ways to express their political views?