Sarah P Corbett: Craftivism as a form of Gentle Protest

Award-winning activist and author Sarah P Corbett joins Roger Phillips, award-winning former BBC Radio Merseyside broadcaster, in conversation at Leaf. They will be discussing her new book, The Craftivist Collective Handbook, her work around the world and how Liverpool has shaped her activism.  

Sarah Corbett set up the global community ‘Craftivist Collective’ in 2009 after demand from individuals, groups and organisations around the world. They wanted to take part in her unique methodology to ‘craftivism’ (craft + activism), a term she coined as ‘gentle protest’ in 2014. Sarah provides products and services to help people to be strategic gentle protesters, and she nurtures a growing global community of quiet craftivists. Sarah’s work has helped change laws, policies, hearts and minds around the world through her innovative protests.  

The protests are rooted in neuroscience and psychology and use the process of craft (mostly hand-embroidery and papercrafts) to help activists engage thoughtfully in social change issues and respond strategically. Sarah uses intriguing handmade products as personal reminders to be conscious citizens, as bespoke gifts for decision-makers from critical friends (not aggressive enemies), or to leave as small pieces of street art to provoke thought and action from the public, offline and online. 

“Corbett’s thoughtful ‘gentle protest’ approach is discerning, disarming, and – it works!” – Helen Pankhurst CBE, Senior Adviser CARE International and great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst. 

“Sarah’s approach brilliantly harnesses craft’s power to help amplify our voices.” – Jay Blades MBE, BBC Repair Shop and Heritage Crafts Co-Chair 

Copies of the books will be available to buy at the event from Liverpool’s News from Nowhere Bookshop (who are celebrating their 50th birthday this May!)

Sarah Corbett was born 1983 into an activist family in Everton, Liverpool. An Ashoka Fellow and professional campaigner most recently with Oxfam GB, she works with charities, museums, galleries and unusual allies to reach new and nervous audiences to activism. Sarah was included in the Crafts Council 2018 ‘Power List’. She helped create the Girlguiding Craftivism badge (2018), has exhibited in Stockholm (2015), Helsinki Design Week (2016) and her speech ‘Activism Needs Introverts’ was chosen as a TED Talk of the Day.  

Roger Phillips was born in Manchester, went to Cambridge University, where he read medicine for a year and then switched to English! He arrived in Liverpool as an actor in the early 70s to join the Everyman Theatre – and fell in love with the city. He subsequently worked as a hackney cab driver, before falling by chance into local radio (BBC Radio Merseyside) in 1978, where he presented a daily 2-hour phone-in programme and a weekly interview programme, until he retired 3 years ago. 

Tuesday 7th May, 7pm  

Leaf , 65-67 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4EZ 

£12.50 or £8 

*These are difficult times. We know some people may struggle to afford full price tickets. If you would like to attend this event but can’t afford to, please contact info@writingonthewall.org.uk. All queries will be treated in confidence.   

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