Teen Artivism Program at Vita Art Center: Endangered Species Awareness

The Vita Art Center's Teen Artivism Program empowers teens to use art as a tool for social change. This year, participants focused on the critical issue of endangered species, channeling their creativity into advocacy and public awareness.

Each teen selected an endangered species to spotlight, researching the animal's characteristics, habitat, and the threats it faces. Inspired by their research, the teens created a series of compelling art pieces, including handmade masks representing their chosen animals. These masks served as a powerful visual symbol of the species' vulnerability and the urgent need for protection.

The students also developed slogans to convey their messages and designed eye-catching flyers, signage, and t-shirts to share their cause with the community. In collaboration with the Idea Center, the teens learned the art of silk screening to print their designs on t-shirts and create custom stickers, further expanding the reach of their message.

The program culminated in a public event where the teens wore their animal masks and engaged with the community, distributing informational flyers and sharing the importance of wildlife conservation. Their presence sparked conversations, raised awareness, and inspired others to take action to protect endangered species.

Additionally, the teens created a final video documenting their work and the importance of protecting endangered species. We held a public viewing of the video, accompanied by an exhibition of their masks and other artwork created during the program. The event provided a platform for the teens to share their message with a broader audience and celebrate their achievements.

Through this project, the teens honed their artistic skills, learned about environmental issues, and experienced firsthand the impact of art in advocacy. The Teen Artivism Program continues to demonstrate how creative expression can be a catalyst for meaningful change.