Art: an agent of change

Art as a social practice is based on the belief that art and artists not only have the capacity but also the responsibility to provoke change or influence the world in some way. It is not simply about creating a work based solely on its formal aesthetic qualities or aimed at a limited audience within the art world, but about involving members of a community in the artistic creation process. Therefore, the artwork is usually not an expression of a single person's creative vision but the result of a relational and collaborative process.

Thus, this approach implies that the creation process is a central part of the artistic "product," where artists or organizations that engage artistic thinking and practices in a transversal way work alongside communities, using forms and materials that go beyond those employed in traditional art and often develop outside conventional presentation settings. For example, the repertoire of tools in this practice includes dialogue, community organizing, facilitation, and participatory media creation, among other methods that go beyond mastering color theory or perspective, which can result in an expansion of the artistic language.

Additionally, work in the art field can address a wide variety of topics, from social and political to economic issues, although it is worth noting that this is not absolutely necessary because cultural expression itself can be a political act, especially for groups whose opportunities for creative voice have been limited by poverty or oppression.

Now, for many, the term "art as social practice" may have negative connotations, as some associate it with artists who enter a community, stir things up, and leave without considering the consequences, i.e., they approach people and their knowledge and practices from an extractivist perspective. For others, this approach dilutes the aesthetic and technical quality of the works, resulting in productions they qualify as "mediocre."

However, seeing art as a tool is a way to channel creativity towards problem-solving and promoting social justice, understanding that it can serve not only to decorate or entertain. With this in mind, what can be considered the instrumentalization of art should not be seen as a limitation but as an expansion of its impact and relevance, where artistic freedom should not only be understood as the creation of aesthetically pure works but also as the ability to choose how and for what art is used, valuing both individual expression and collective well-being. This implies that those who want to embrace this approach require not only artistic but also social skills.

The latter is fundamental because working with communities through art involves a profound ethical responsibility, which includes understanding and respecting different cultural perspectives, working to overcome prejudices, valuing various forms of knowledge and experiences, and practicing respectful and humble listening. Being aware of the responsibility that comes with working with a collective is key, as some artists, often outsiders to the communities they want to work with, may impose their own perspectives and agendas without a deep understanding of local realities and needs.

Socially engaged art is not about this but about practicing genuine exchange and sharing in all stages of the process, from idea generation to aesthetic choices and implementation; similarly, it is essential to adequately compensate and recognize community members as co-creators.

In this process, honest research and deep listening are essential, as well as being able to protect and support those involved, especially when addressing sensitive topics. Socially engaged art has the power to make injustices visible, challenge the status quo, and propose alternatives, using creativity as a force for the common good, which can be viewed with suspicion from some sectors. This is why when artists come from more privileged backgrounds, they must be careful not to undermine the agency of communities, to avoid reinforcing unequal power structures instead of dismantling them.

Thus, art as a tool for change involves a practice that integrates collaboration, ethics, and social commitment to create a real impact on communities. By expanding its reach beyond aesthetics, art has the potential to become a powerful force for social transformation.