by Shannon Downey
Storey Publishing
10/1/2024, paperback
SKU: 9781635868906
Create change in the world with this inspiring guide to social activism, from the artist and craftivist behind Badass Cross Stitch.
Craftivism, or the space where art and activism meet, is a powerful, ever-evolving social justice movement that continues to grow and diversify as more voices and mediums take part in it. In Let's Move the Needle, Shannon Downey, an outspoken voice in the craftivist movement for over a decade, provides a roadmap and accessible toolkit for burgeoning art activists.
Filled with self-reflective activities, exercises, prompts, and stories, Let's Move the Needle educates and empowers creatives to center their art around collective action in service of political, social or community issues they are most passionate about; affirming that everyone can be a changemaker and that change-making can be generative, enjoyable, and a bit sassy!
Reviews:
"This stimulating, thoughtfully-organized guide to craftivism will appeal both to activist-minded creatives and noncrafters looking for practical steps to help turn their intentions into action." -- Library Journal, starred review
"Let's Move the Needle is much more than a craft book ... Shannon's warmth and wit shine through as she challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and start crafting for the greater good." -- Stephanie Rohr, author of Feminist Cross-Stitch
"This book allows you to step more deeply into your soul and find matters of justice that you will be willing to fight forever for truth and equity to prevail. Craft is the medium and a gloriously abundant and empathic life well-lived is the reward." -- Elena Quintana, Ph.D., justice activist
About the Author:
Shannon Downey is the founder of Badass Cross Stitch and Seriously Badass Women, and is an artist, activist, craftivist, community builder, and general instigator. Her work moves people from passive consumers of art into engaged creators and leverages craft-based art forms to bring people together, present opportunities to transition from makers to change makers, and inspire radical hope for what is possible. Her award-winning work can be found in galleries, museums, and private collections around the world and has been featured in outlets including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Atlas Obscura, Fast Company, and i-D, and books including Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Signs of Resistance: A Visual History of Protest in America. She is on the faculty at Columbia College Chicago and currently lives in Chicago, Illinois.