Craftivism: Activism through handicrafts

Social change rarely begins with policy. It begins with a shift in mindset, in how we see ourselves, each other and our role in the world. In a world that feels increasingly loud, polarised and overwhelming, many people are searching for ways to respond to injustice without adding more anger to the noise. Handicrafts and the idea of gentle protest, sits firmly in this territory of inner and outer transformation.

A Metanoia Moment in Chichester

An event about gentle craftivism was included in the Festival of Chichester this year. Ben Williams, the curator of The Metanoia Series which formed part of the festival, was keen to include an event on this topic. Metanoia means a shift in mindset, and Ben's aim was to introduce the local community to a broad spectrum of ideas that would gently challenge and inspire people, creating a ripple effect of positive change across the region.

The partnership behind this event itself came about through ripples of connection and serendipitous meetings, bringing together the best people at the right time: Sarah P Corbett in conversation with Tim Bolton.

Introducing Craftivism and Gentle Protest

Sarah Corbett is an award-winning activist and author, Ashoka Fellow, and founder of the global Craftivist Collective. After many years working in more traditional forms of activism, Sarah began searching for alternative ways to create change that were less confrontational and more gentle. It was during this search that she encountered the term craftivism, coined in 2003 by Betsy Greer. 

Sarah’s interpretation of craftivism evolved into what she calls ‘gentle protest’, not passive or weak, but grounded in neuroscience, positive psychology, campaign strategy and handicrafts. Craftivism engages people in social issues through the creation of handmade items, using the process and the products as a bridge to deep engagement in social change issues and tangible change. As Sarah explains:

“Craft can be a powerful tool for activism, combining creativity with strategic campaign work”

 In 2009 the Craftivist Collective was born. 

The Craftivist Collection in Action

The Craftivist Collective is a social enterprise that combines craft with activism to create thoughtful, non-confrontational catalysts for social justice. Sarah calls her approach to activism ‘gentle protest’ which focuses on engaging hearts and minds respectfully rather than fuelling anger or polarisation. The Collective offers craftivism kits, workshops, exhibitions, consultancy, training, books and tools that support both personal reflection and global transformation. Sarah’s latest book The Craftivist Collective Handbook, won Best Mixed Media Book of 2025 at the Creative Book Awards.

The evidence for her gentle form of Craftivism speaks for itself. People from all over the world have engaged with Craftivist Collective kits to create meaningful impact, from working with the charity Mind to hold politicians accountable for better mental health provision, to successfully encouraging Marks and Spencers to pay the Living Wage to 50,000 staff members.

Sarah’s work has helped change laws, policies, hearts and minds around the world through her innovative, carefully designed gentle protests and campaigns.

It’s easy to see why Ben wanted to include a gentle craftivism event as part of The Metanoia Series. The synergy is unmistakable.

A Thoughtfully Curated Event

The format of the event was curated with the local community firmly in mind. Sarah felt it was important to include someone local, which is why Tim Bolton was invited to host. Tim is the head of the School of Art and Conservation at West Dean College near Chichester, and with his expertise in craft conservation and the intersection of craft and politics, he was an integral part of the conversation.

The event included participatory activities at both the beginning and end, alongside a discussion led by Tim in an interview-style format. The activity invited attendees to write one of 3 highly crafted messages on special mini scrolls to discreetly “shop-drop” (the opposite of shop-lifting!) into pockets of clothing in fast fashion stores. Each scroll read “please open me” with a smiley face, and inside was a message and a link to Fashion Revolution the world’s largest fashion activism movement advocating for people and planet over profit.

Crucially, the aim of craftivism is not to induce guilt or shame. Instead, it offers a curious, compassionate, ego-less and thought-provoking form of protest.

Is Gentle Craftivism Too Polite?

One of the discussions raised during the event was whether Corbett’s gentle approach to craftivism is too polite. In an increasingly polarised world, perhaps treating people with humanity, respect and dignity has become counter cultural. The psychology of non violent direct action centres on moral transformation rather than humiliation. It aims for reconciliation and change by appealing to a person’s humanity. 

Corbett’s craftivism focuses on building empathy and empowerment with those we disagree with rather than walls and division. It is strategic, rooted in compassion, and designed to create the kind of moral tension that invites reflection rather than defensiveness.

The Roots of Gentle Protest

The ideas in Corbett’s Gentle Protest framework have deep roots in the work of activists including Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of non-violent resistance showed the world that lasting social change does not have to be loud, aggressive or forceful. Through Satyagraha, often translated as “truth-force”, Gandhi demonstrated that peaceful, compassionate action could expose injustice while appealing to the conscience of both oppressors and observers.

Rather than attempting to overpower opponents, Gandhi focused on non-cooperation with unjust systems, moral courage and personal sacrifice. His aim was not simply to change policy, but to shift hearts and minds, proving that gentleness, when used strategically, could be a powerful catalyst for systemic change.

This lineage is clearly visible in the modern gentle protest movement developed by Sarah. Drawing direct inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr, Scilla Elsworthy, Gandhi and others, her work embraces slow, thoughtful and creative forms of activism, using hand-made craft to invite reflection rather than provoke resistance. Gentle protest relies on soft power; influence built through curiosity, care and connection instead of confrontation.

At its heart, gentle protest encourages a compassionate mindset, inviting people into conversation rather than calling them out. By using creativity and care as strategic tools, through stitched messages, handwritten notes and symbolic acts, it creates space for deeper engagement and long-term change. This reinforces a powerful truth, that gentleness is not weakness, but a courageous and effective force for transformation.

Mental Health, Meaning and Making

There are also clear mental health benefits for those who participate in Corbett’s craftivist projects. Involvement can build self-respect, inner strength and a sense of agency, revealing courage people may not have known they possessed. Gentle craftivism merges the therapeutic aspects of making with critical thinking for the purpose that comes from social action.

At a time when feelings of helplessness seem widespread, gentle craftivism offers a way to channel anger, sadness or concern about global issues into constructive, peaceful action. Turning negative emotions into tangible contributions can help people feel less powerless and more connected to their capacity for change.

Longevity, Legacy and Soft Power

Corbett’s craftivism has longevity. The pieces created are high-quality, enduring objects, many personalised for specific individuals, such as the bespoke embroidered handkerchiefs sent to the board members at Marks and Spencers. These carefully crafted items, and the strategically chosen craftivists who created them (who also bought shares to be shareholders in M&S), helped bring about policy-level change. This is soft power at its most effective: lovingly and thoughtfully encouraging those power holders to be part of positive change.

What’s Next for Craftivism in Chichester?

So what might the future of craftivism look like in the Chichester area? Those who attended the event are already inspired, with some planning to use craftivism in their own work and communities. Sarah will be delivering a one off training weekend course 17-19th July 2026 at West Dean College for anyone that wants to join.

The Metanoia Series has acted as a catalyst for broader change, embedding the idea of mindset shifts through the events held over the summer. Ben and Tim are both part of the Chichester Creative Partnership, perhaps the Partnership could carry the mantle forward, placing craft and creativity at the heart of local regeneration and becoming a beacon for the power of creativity and what people can achieve with their hands. 

Gentle Protest as a Way Forward

There are many ways to use your voice to campaign against injustice. Craft and activism, when combined gently, can encourage critical thinking, deep engagement and human connection. Gentle protest; using your head, hands and heart, is strategic, thoughtful and unifying. Rather than demonising others, it brings people together to work in solidarity where possible, creating the ripples of change this world so urgently needs.

To learn more and get involved in craftivism projects visit: https://www.craftivist-collective.com

To learn more about West Dean College visit:

https://www.westdean.ac.uk/

To read more articles from The Metanoia Series at the Festival of Chichester visit:

https://www.themetanoia.com/

If you’re local to Chichester and interested in joining in the discussion contact Ben: ben@williams-ip.com