From the Streets to the Gallery Wall: Two Creative Tactics from the Artivism Toolkit

Looking for new ways to turn ideas into action? Whether you’re an educator, artist, activist, or curious community member, the Take pART! Artivism Toolkit is here to help you harness the power of creativity for social change.

Co-created by femLENS as part of the EU-funded Take pART! project, the toolkit is available in eight languages and provides a wide range of exercises and methods using art and activism to promote gender equality, youth empowerment, and active citizenship.

Download the full toolkit here
Or explore all versions on the Take pART! site

Here are two simple but powerful methods from the toolkit that you can try in your own community:

Guerrilla-Style Exhibition

Page 61

This activity reimagines how we present and encounter art. A guerrilla-style exhibition is all about bringing visual storytelling into everyday public spaces—bus stops, cafés, building walls, market stalls—anywhere people pass by.

Why it works: It makes art and activism visible to people who may not usually enter galleries or attend events. It removes barriers and takes the message to the street.

How to do it:

  • Select your location based on visibility and accessibility

  • Display your photos, posters, or printed zines using clips, tape, or temporary hanging methods

  • Include short texts, QR codes, or calls to action to prompt reflection or engagement

  • Optional: document the exhibition through video or photos for social media

This method is a low-cost, high-impact way to amplify voices that often go unheard.

Flyering as Artivism

Page 46

Flyers might seem old school—but done creatively, they remain one of the most direct and democratic ways to communicate a message.

Why it works: Flyers are accessible, quick to distribute, and can be placed strategically where your audience already is—at a bus stop, a bathroom mirror, a classroom desk.

How to do it:

  • Choose a bold, clear message that fits on one A5 page or smaller

  • Combine short text with compelling visuals—drawings, slogans, or photography

  • Use recycled paper or printable designs for community distribution

  • Involve participants in choosing where to place them—and document the act of sharing them

Flyering is especially effective when part of a broader campaign. In the Orvieto artivism residency, for example, young women created flyers that challenged gender stereotypes under the theme “What’s Normal?”, sparking important conversations in public space.

What Else You’ll Find in the Toolkit

The Artivism Toolkit is packed with activities and insights for both first-time facilitators and experienced educators. Alongside guerrilla exhibitions and flyering, you’ll find creative methods including zine-making, performance in public spaces, documentary photography, podcasting, and mural painting. There are step-by-step guides for designing gender-sensitive campaigns, tips on storytelling for social change, and worksheets to help you plan your own actions. The toolkit also includes important sections on ethics, intersectionality, and safety—to ensure your work is inclusive, reflective, and respectful of the communities it serves.

Want to Try It?

You don’t need expensive materials or formal permission to try these tools. They’re designed to be adaptable, participatory, and low-threshold. If you’d like to use the toolkit in your classroom, group, or community—get in touch!

We’d love to hear from you if you:

  • Want to use the toolkit in your work

  • Would like to print copies of the toolkit

  • Can help us distribute the toolkit or zines in your community

Let’s take part—together.