Our societies need new narratives showcasing the connection between migration, human potential and creating the future we all need.
Why Artivism?
Artivism is at the forefront of challenging power structures. It has the transformative power to build resilient communities, and amplify voices and narratives that deserve to be heard.
The Emerging Leaders Artivism Alliance
is a pioneering program that positions individuals with a migration background who are combining arts and activism to utilize their resilient life experiences as potential for leadership, igniting action and driving meaningful societal change!
Meet the Artivists from the 2024 cohort
Meet the Artivists from the 2023 cohort
Applications for the Emerging Leaders Artivism Alliance 2025-2026 are now open!
Who should apply?
Artists or individuals who are actively engaged in creating change through an artistic practice, and who:
- Have experience of forced displacement or lived experience of migration
- Are currently residing in an African or European country, particularly in France, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Egypt, Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, or Sudan
- Are looking to strengthen their leadership capabilities
- Are eager to connect and collaborate with an alliance of emerging artivists
- Can commit to an average of 6 hours per month from December 2025 to June 2026
- Can engage and communicate about their work in English (A2-B1 level minimum) & participate online (Zoom)
Participants will receive:
- Innovative online training in leadership and project development
- Opportunities to increase the visibility of your work
- Invitations to new networks and potential partners
- Other opportunities (participation in events, referrals for fellowships, grants…)
Timeline:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The form will close once all places are filled or by the final deadline. We recommend applying early!
- Final deadline: October 1
- Final selection: November
- Kick-off: December
“PLACE Network has connected me with like-minded individuals and communities passionate about cultural preservation and social equity. This sense of belonging and shared purpose has strengthened my commitment to artivism and leadership within these spaces.”
– Cedric Bichano, Emerging Leader 2023
“By being part of the Emerging Leaders Artivism Alliance, I have realized that I am not alone; I have realized witnessing other artists overcome social constraints and create art despite all obstacles gives me more hope to keep going and more strength to fight back and produce more art.”
– Hazem Header, Emerging Leader 2024
Are you an organization aligned with our mission?
We’re building a bold model of collective impact—and we’re looking for partners to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from one another as we drive change together.
Are you an artist, artistic director, founder, community organizer, curator, or leader ready to inspire?
As a Program Expert, you will:
- Share your unique insights around each session’s theme
- Ignite meaningful discussions with a diverse group of artivists
Want to follow the project and hear its news?
The Emerging Leaders Artivism Alliance is run by PLACE Network in partnership with the Community Arts Network, and supported by a coalition of partners supporting the arts and social change.
It is also part of Emerging Leaders, an award-winning series of programs that reinforce the leadership capacity of newcomers and accelerate the penetration of new talent into established networks.
