Storytelling and Art as a Form of Youth Activism

Storytelling and Art as a Form of Youth Activism

3 May 2025 | 1:00 PM | YouTube

This event was an inspiring and multifaceted online panel aimed at emphasizing the power of storytelling through art as a form of activism and a tool for social change. Hosted by Set Them Free, a woman-led organization dedicated to raising awareness about injustice, defending human rights, and empowering young voices, the session brought together three remarkable women—artists and activists—who shared their personal journeys, creative processes, and perspectives on using art to address social and political issues.

The moderator opened the session by introducing the organization’s mission to foster empathy, build community, and inspire action through various artistic expressions such as painting, music, writing, and design. The goal was not only to showcase individual talents but also to encourage reflection, engagement, and sharing stories that challenge injustice and promote positive change. Audience members were invited to actively participate by reflecting and sharing their own stories via social media.

The first speaker, Reyhan Kas, a self-published writer and painter, discussed how her personal experiences, shaped by her multicultural background—born in Turkey and raised in a different cultural environment—inform her art. She described her creative process as spontaneous and unpredictable, likening it to a “train ride with no destination,” where she expresses emotions without knowing what will emerge until she finishes her work. Reyhan emphasized that her art is primarily a means of self-understanding—she creates to explore her identity and inner world, rather than to be understood by others. She expressed her hope that viewers feel that her art allows them to connect with the emotions she experienced while creating, fostering a sense of shared human vulnerability. She also highlighted her activism, mentioning her involvement in raising awareness about injustice and her efforts to share her work publicly, despite the polarized environment in Turkey.

The second speaker, Mehru, a young musician and designer, shared how music serves as her primary mode of emotional expression. Coming from a family of musicians, she explained that performing and creating music helps her communicate feelings she might find difficult to express verbally. She described her journey as one of bravery—building confidence to perform, explain instruments, and share her inner voice through music. Mehru also emphasized that art, whether music or design, is a universal language that can unite people across cultures and backgrounds, especially when addressing social issues. She highlighted her belief that everyone has the potential to be an activist through storytelling, even if they don’t consider themselves artists, because art is fundamentally about expressing truth and connecting with others.

The third speaker, Busra, a board member at Set Them Free with extensive experience in teaching, writing, and visual arts, reflected on how storytelling through art differs from other activism forms in its emotional impact and ability to foster empathy. She shared that for her, art is a means of resistance, self-reclamation, and sustainability—particularly as an immigrant who has had to rebuild her identity in a new country. Busra described her work as a way to question and challenge societal norms, using symbols like the question mark to emphasize curiosity and critical thinking. Her art advocates for a culture of questioning, loving oneself, and creating a safe environment for future generations to explore their identities and express their truths. She stressed that small acts of activism—like redesigning clothes, questioning systems, or sharing stories—are powerful ways to spark change.

Throughout the session, each woman shared her work, including personal stories behind her art and music, reflecting themes of resilience, resistance, and hope. Reyhan introduced her self-published book of paintings and poetry, which explores her emotional landscape and identity struggles. She shared images of her artwork, explaining their significance and the emotions they evoke. Mehru played a heartfelt song inspired by a Turkish artist who recently passed away, connecting her music to her cultural roots and personal grief. And Busra displayed her symbolic art, emphasizing the importance of questioning and loving oneself as acts of activism.

The panelists emphasized that activism doesn’t always have to be loud; small, authentic acts—like creating art, sharing stories, questioning norms, or supporting others—are equally powerful. They underscored that everyone has the potential to be an activist by staying true to their voice, expressing their emotions, and fostering empathy. They encouraged young people to start small, to create without fear of judgment, and to understand that resistance can be subtle but impactful.

In closing, the speakers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share their stories and called on the audience to continue advocating, creating, and questioning. They stressed the importance of building safe spaces for expression, nurturing courage, and recognizing that every small act of kindness or resistance contributes to broader social change. The event ended with an invitation for viewers to share their own stories and continue the dialogue of hope, resilience, and activism through art.