What is craftivism?

Summary

Craftivism is a unique form of activism that combines crafting with the pursuit of social, political, and cultural change. This approach appeals to introverts, artists, and those seeking quieter ways to contribute to activism. Examples include Carrie Reichardt’s mosaics protesting systemic injustice, Jenifer Sult's crochet tribute for Black Lives Matter, and initiatives like Wool Against Weapons. Craftivism spans global causes, from feminism and environmentalism to anti-war protests, and emphasizes creating thoughtful, impactful messages using handmade art, allowing individuals to engage in activism in a more reflective and personal way.

Takeaways

• ✊ Craftivism is a quieter, more personal form of activism, combining craft and activism to work towards social, cultural, or political change.
• 🧵 Betsy Greer coined the term craftivism in 2003, defining it as the use of craft techniques to promote activism.
• 🎨 Craftivism appeals to those who are artistically inclined, introverted, sensitive, or physically unable to participate in traditional activism.
• 🧶 Examples of craftivism include Carrie Reichardt’s protest mosaics in the UK, Jenifer Sult's crochet tribute to Black Lives Matter, and the Hombres Tejedores challenging traditional masculinity in Chile.
• 📍 Mini protest banners, created by Sarah Corbett, emphasize gentle activism that nudges people to engage with important issues.
• 🏀 The Net Works initiative in Boston uses handmade basketball nets to beautify neglected public spaces, promoting community revitalization.
• 🌊 Olek’s underwater yarnbombing in Mexico aimed to raise awareness of ocean conservation and the dangers facing marine life.
• 🧣 The Wool Against Weapons project in the UK involved creating a seven-mile-long pink peace scarf to protest nuclear weapons, later repurposed into blankets for those in need.
• 👚 Craftivism can also be expressed through wearable protest, as seen with DIY clothing and accessories that challenge gender norms and fashion conformity.
• ✍️ Craftivists like Sayraphim Lothian in Australia spread joy through guerrilla kindness, creating gifts like handmade journals left for strangers to find.

Q & A

What is craftivism, and who coined the term?

Craftivism is a form of activism that incorporates the techniques of craft, such as knitting, crocheting, or sewing, with the goals of activism to promote social, cultural, or political change. The term was coined by Betsy Greer in 2003.

How does craftivism differ from traditional activism?

Craftivism is typically quieter, slower, and more private than traditional activism. It appeals to people who are artistically inclined, introverted, sensitive, or physically unable to participate in public demonstrations. It often involves thoughtful, creative acts instead of loud public protests.

What are some examples of craftivism projects mentioned in the script?

Examples of craftivism include Carrie Reichardt's mosaics with protest messages, Jenifer Sult's 'Crochet Their Names' tribute for Black Lives Matter, the Hombres Tejedores group in Chile promoting gender tolerance, and Sarah Corbett’s mini cross-stitched protest banners.

What is yarnbombing, and who started it?

Yarnbombing involves covering objects or structures with decorative knitted or crocheted material without permission. It was started by Magda Sayeg, who wanted to see something warm and human-like in cold, urban environments.

What was the goal of the Wool Against Weapons campaign?

The Wool Against Weapons campaign protested the UK's Trident nuclear weapons program by creating a seven-mile-long pink scarf and laying it between the country’s two nuclear weapons factories. The scarf was later repurposed into blankets for those in need.

How did the Hombres Tejedores group in Chile use knitting as activism?

The Hombres Tejedores, a group of men in Chile who knit together in public, challenge traditional ideas of masculinity by participating in an activity typically associated with women. Their activism promotes tolerance and challenges gender norms.

What is the significance of arpilleras in Chile's history of activism?

Arpilleras are three-dimensional tapestries created by women in Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship to document the atrocities of the regime. They often used fabric from the clothing of missing loved ones to highlight the human rights abuses occurring in the country.

How did craftivists use the 'Don’t Blow It' campaign to influence corporate decisions?

In the 'Don’t Blow It' campaign, craftivists presented hand-embroidered handkerchiefs to decision-makers at Marks & Spencer, urging them to pay their workers a living wage. The personalized, thoughtful gifts fostered ongoing conversations and relationships, and within a year, Marks & Spencer raised worker pay by 14.7%.

What is the Counterfeit Crochet Project, and what issues does it address?

The Counterfeit Crochet Project, started by Stephanie Syjuco, encourages people to crochet imitations of designer handbags. It challenges beliefs about intellectual property, consumption, and the mass production practices of large fashion companies.

How does the concept of visible mending relate to craftivism?

Visible mending involves repairing clothing in a way that keeps the repairs obvious, showing the history of the garment. It is environmentally friendly, promotes sustainability, and challenges fashion ideals that encourage conformity to trends.