IVLP Impact Awards Perspectives – Reflections on the Inspire Impact Art for Social Change Workshop
Anika Plowden is an alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program and a 2024 recipient of the IVLP Impact Awards for her project Inspire Impact: Art for Social Change Initiative.
Meridian International Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implements the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative. IVLP Impact Awardees from across the world administer community impact projects that build on their experiences and promote innovative solutions to shared challenges. The IVLP Impact Awards Initiative engages alumni, strengthens global networks, and supports lasting community impact.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
My name is Anika, and I am an artist specializing in mixed media and fabric design. Through my art, I strive to illuminate the beauty in diversity, the strength in vulnerability, and the resilience of the human spirit. As the founder and creative director of Chosen Hands, an NGO dedicated to art and wellness, I am deeply committed to using creativity to address challenging social issues.
Over the past six years, I have dedicated my time and resources to collaborate with communities, using art as a medium for empowerment and advocacy. Whether it is through workshops, exhibitions, or public installations, my goal has always been clear: to amplify voices, cultivate empathy, and inspire collective action.
Art possesses a remarkable ability to effect positive social change. It transcends language, culture, and background—connecting us on a human level. For me, art is never just about aesthetics; it’s about impact, purpose, and the power to change the world.
Global Collaboration for Local Impact
Recently, I hosted the Inspire Impact Art for Social Change Workshop—a transformative two-day event that took place on September 26th and 27th, 2024, at the American Centre, followed by a virtual session on September 30th. This workshop was designed to spark creativity and innovation in young minds, showing participants how art can be a powerful tool for advocacy, healing, and fostering social change.
The two-day in-person workshop brought together university students, youth councils, and young professionals, all eager to explore how art can address pressing social issues. We dove into themes of social activism, creative problem solving, the transformative power of art, leadership, and mental health awareness. It was a dynamic and interactive space where participants not only shared their ideas but worked together to create art that could inspire future leaders to build a better world. As keynote speaker, U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Candace Bond encouraged participants to embrace creativity as a powerful catalyst for change. The subsequent virtual sessions allowed us to expand the conversation to a wider audience, using digital platforms to continue our dialogue across borders.
This workshop was made possible through the generous support of the U.S. Embassy Port of Spain's Public Affairs Section, a partnership that has been instrumental in the work of Chosen Hands. As an alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), I had the privilege of learning from global leaders in art advocacy in 2023. During the exchange, I gained invaluable exposure to the role of creativity across diverse cultural contexts, which I incorporated into my workshop design. I collaborated with the Center for Creative Activism to showcase how creativity can drive social change, much like the IVLP exchange's emphasis on subject matter expertise and cross-cultural insights.
Additionally, my discussions with leaders from various U.S.-based organizations, and community-driven initiatives at local art centers, opened my eyes to the potential of grassroots activism through art. These conversations encouraged me to focus on community engagement and foster collaboration among participants, similar to the networking opportunities I experienced during the exchange. This blend of creative activism and community-driven solutions directly inspired the structure of my IVLP Impact Award project, which emphasizes collaboration, creative expression, and societal transformation.
The Power of Creative Freedom
What makes these workshops truly magical is witnessing the participants’ growth. In one session, a group of students collaborated on a painting that symbolized unity and the collective responsibility to support. A participant reflected, “The workshop opened my eyes to the fact that art can say things we often struggle to put into words. It gave me the confidence to speak up about difficult topics.” Many of them arrived feeling unsure of their creative potential. By the end of the session, they not only discovered their artistic voice but also learned how to channel that energy toward meaningful advocacy. Participants have committed to continuing this work, planning to organize local art exhibitions that focus on social issues like justice, respect, and inclusion.
A project participant expressed:
“This workshop introduced me to a unique approach to humanitarianism, one centered on art for social change. Through this collaboration, I had the opportunity to flex my creative muscles in ways I hadn’t before. The entire process opened my eyes to the power of self-expression and how it can be a catalyst for change, not only in the community but also within society and ourselves.”
I encourage each of you reading this to tap into that inner creative spirit—the one that guides you toward your purpose. When we listen to that voice, we unleash a profound ability to affect positive change, just as I did when I fully embraced my purpose as an artist and advocate.
Final Thoughts: The Impact of Art
As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am filled with gratitude to the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Meridian International Center for selecting this project for the IVLP Impact Award and for their continued support. The capacity-building opportunities provided through the IVLP experience were pivotal in enhancing both my IVLP Impact Award project and my future initiatives. The comprehensive workshops and mentorship sessions equipped me with essential skills in project management, community engagement, and using art as a medium for social change. For instance, the training on cross-sector collaboration enabled me to partner effectively with local organizations and creative professionals, significantly amplifying the reach and impact of my project. Equally transformative were the networking opportunities, which connected me with like-minded individuals and institutions both in the U.S. and globally. These relationships continue to serve as a valuable resource for future endeavors, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and developing innovative solutions.
This recognition underscores the potential of art to create lasting local impact and build on the valuable experiences shared through IVLP. This journey is not mine alone—it’s one I’m committed to sharing with the next generation of creatives, ensuring that they, too, can harness the power of art to inspire and uplift communities.
Together, we can continue to make art that transforms, connects, and fosters a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate world. Let’s keep inspiring, empowering, and creating. In the end, it’s never just about art. It’s about impact, purpose, and the power each of us holds to create change. I ask you to reflect: Are you living your title, or are you living the purpose that’s inside of you?
Anika participated in the IVLP Project Promoting Social Change Through the Arts, organized by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with the New York Program Branch, WorldDenver, The International Center, Global Santa Fe, Global Ties ABQ and International Center of the Capital Region. Learn more about her IVLP Impact Award project, Inspire Impact: Art for Social Change Initiative on our website.
