Global Day of Creative Action, Artivists UNITE!!!

The Occupy movement’s Global Day of Creative Action is waving its freak flag here in the City of Rochester at the Flying Squirrel Community Space on Sunday, February 12, 2012. Occupy Rochester’s Artivism working group is planning an interactive and informative event in which art, of all shapes and forms, can be shared, expressed and evolved throughout the city of Rochester and within socio-economic movements as they arise.

The festivities will be taking place from noon to 4pm and will include, but not limited to, a silent art show exhibition (of all forms,) trading circles (bring clothes, books, art, jewelry, fabric, anything & everything,) a poetry open mic slam (bring your work,) literature and great speech reading (bring an excerpt of your choice,) sign culture teach-ins and painting, creation stations, open discussions, acoustic and local music, and on site silk screening, so bring a shirt! Artivism will be followed by another local event, bringing poetry, music and more funk from 4:30 to 9pm.

Artivism is a portmanteau, which combines both expressions of “art” and “activism” as a way of communicating through various creative mediums in order to bring awareness to the need for social, political, and environmental change. Author and artist, M.K. Asante Jr. writes:

"The artivist uses her artistic talents to fight and struggle against injustice and oppression—by any medium necessary. The artivist merges commitment to freedom and justice with the pen, the lens, the brush, the voice, the body, and the imagination. The artivist knows that to make an observation is to have an obligation."

This is the concept that Occupy Rochester’s Artivism working group hopes to embody. Starting with the Global Day of Creative Action, we hope to kick start a community of local artists and activists who are seeking to take direct action against injustice and combat the suppression of the imagination. We want to make the message clear that we will no longer be silenced or subdued by working to bring life and beauty back to the City of Rochester.

We are asking you, community members and local artists, to bring YOUR artwork to share, poetry to read, stuff to trade, shirts to print, and music to make. We can't support the growth of a new collaborative community without active participation.

This is an open invitation. Spread the word and bring your creative juices, your spoken word, your instruments, your dancing legs, all of your friends and join us on Sunday, February 12 at the Flying Squirrel on 285 Clarissa Street in the Corn Hill district.

You can also go to occupyrochester.org for more information.