Creative Capital: Art as a tool for activism and decolonisation with Van Mei
Creative Capital is a podcast from Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi about advocacy and systems change. Hosted by Elyssia Wilson-Heti (FAFSWAG), it explores the role that arts, culture and creativity play in Tāmaki Makaurau - with a focus on the people behind the work and their vision for the future.
Artist and writer Van Mei discusses the intersection of art and activism, challenges in the arts sector during COVID-19, decolonization in the creative sector, and the importance of collective care and community support in empowering artists for societal impact.
Episode themes:
Art as a tool for activism challenges oppressive structures by amplifying marginalised voices. Storytelling, photography, and design are powerful tools in conveying messages and engaging with social issues.
Creative exchanges empower migrant communities, preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity.
Artists’ ability to challenge normative structures and advocate for change by pushing boundaries and resisting oppressive systems.
Art's ability to evoke empathy and provoke critical reflection contributes to envisioning and advocating for a more just and equitable society.
Van Mei is an artist and writer currently based in Te Ika-a-Māui. They are the current Kaitohu (Director) of The Pantograph Punch, an online arts and culture platform that’s been nourishing writers and audiences for 13 years. Prior to this they were the Director of Enjoy Contemporary Art Space for a stint and have worked, published and exhibited across performing arts, visual arts and publishing for a number of years. They believe in a future where we can see arts in Aotearoa thrive for the benefit of many, not just survive as we are currently.
