Can Artivism Help Us Save Our Ocean?

Can Artivism Help Us Save Our Ocean? ‘Painting Our Future’ by Jasmine Wang.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Can Artivism Help Us Save Our Ocean?
‘Painting Our Future’ by Jasmine Wang. Image: Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Program

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Can artivism help us save our ocean?

With environmental crises becoming an ever-present part of our reality, new approaches to tackling these issues are more important than ever. One promising movement is artivism, the blend of art and activism, which is showing us a fresh way to engage in ocean conservation. Bow Seat’s Ocean Awareness Programs is at the forefront of this, bringing together young creatives from around the world to share their take on topics like ocean health, climate change, and marine biodiversity. What’s most striking is how these participants aren’t just creating art; they’re forging a deeper connection with the ocean and finding their voices as advocates.

One of the most memorable moments I’ve experienced was reading a piece by a teenager who wrote, “The ocean isn’t just a backdrop to our lives; it’s a living, breathing entity that deserves our respect.” That line stuck with me. It’s a powerful reminder that the ocean isn’t just a beautiful scene but a crucial part of our existence. However, with issues like coral bleaching and plastic pollution getting worse, the urgency to protect it is higher than ever. Artivism taps into something that resonates deeply: our shared humanity. It makes people feel, connect, and want to act. Seeing young people use art to start conversations and inspire action is a testament to that power.

Art as a Catalyst for Change

Art’s impact on sparking change is undeniable. I am reminded of Maxine Greene’s words, “Art can be a means of liberation,” and I see that play out with every submission in Bow Seat’s Contest. Art allows young people to express their thoughts and emotions in ways that words sometimes can’t.

One participant shared, “I think being able to formulate how you feel into words makes you feel powerful or like you have a voice in this world. It often feels like you are so small and you could never make a difference or be heard, so being able to participate made me see that no matter who you are, you can speak up and make a difference.  It was like saying, I see you, and I care.”

Survey results back this up: over 80% of participants said they felt more connected to ocean conservation after creating their pieces. Tanishka Yadav, a 17 year-old who joined the Contest, said, “I enjoyed learning and researching about our ocean, and I went down (a lot) of rabbit holes. I never fully grasped how diverse and beautiful our oceans are! And I also never fully grasped how much we have to protect them. I felt like it was my duty to educate others about the issues that our Earth is facing after I learned all of these things. Now when I think of making a difference, I hope my art makes others feel that way too.”

This shows that artivism isn’t just educational; it’s transformational. It encourages young people not only to learn but to act.

Bow Seat’s Founder Linda Cabot in Bow Seat studio
Bow Seat’s Founder Linda Cabot in Bow Seat studio. Image: Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs

A Movement Rooted in Connection

Artivism thrives on collaboration; the Ocean Awareness Contest is a perfect example. It’s not just a competition; it’s part of a global movement that brings together artists, educators, and environmentalists. Linda Cabot, the founder of Bow Seat, once told me, “We’re not just picking winners; we’re creating a generation that sees themselves as part of the solution.” That’s a powerful shift in perspective.

The variety of work that comes out of this Contest is incredible, sculptures made from ocean debris, paintings that capture the delicate beauty of marine life, and poems that echo the ocean’s pulse. Art makes the invisible visible. This is what makes artivism so impactful, it brings urgent issues into focus in a way that facts alone can’t.

A New Wave of Environmental Awareness

Artivism is more than a reaction to the environmental crises we face; it’s a proactive way to build a stronger connection with our world. Bow Seat’s Contest shows how young people aren’t just creating art; they’re discovering their potential as changemakers. Cabot said, “Youth needs to see themselves as active players in the environmental movement. We’re not just showcasing their art; we’re showing them that they can use it to influence a change.”

What’s most inspiring is how artivism pushes thought into action. Tanishka summed it up perfectly: “Making art isn’t enough; now I feel like I have to do something.” That’s exactly what Bow Seat’s Contest hopes to achieve, turning creative expression into lifelong environmental activism. The Contest isn’t just an event; it’s the beginning of a journey that shows young people they can use their creativity to light the way toward a more sustainable world.

When we feel connected to the ocean, we’re naturally driven to protect it, and that’s the true power of artivism. As another participant said, “I have more self-awareness of things happening around me and what I can do to help out my community. It almost feels like the Contest gave me self-worth.”

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