Tory Bird

What role do you think art can play in social movements?

Art is a powerful tool for social change. It embodies struggle, resilience, and hope, allowing people to connect with social issues on a visceral level. Art doesn't just reflect reality; it disrupts it, redefines it, and drives change. It has the power to give voice to the voiceless, create safe spaces for healing and dialogue, and influence policies by shifting public perception. I think, in social justice movements, art is not just a medium of expression—it is a movement in itself.

How would you describe your artistic practice as it relates to supporting social movements?

My artistic practice amplifies social movements by creating spaces for dialogue, awareness, and collective action through dance, music and film. I use my work to challenge harmful norms in communities affected by gender-based violence, femicide, and HIV stigma. My film Daughter of the Lake was not just a piece of storytelling; it became a tool for advocacy, sparking discussions on violence against women and the urgent need for systemic change. After screenings, I engaged audiences in conversations about legal protections for women, societal attitudes toward gender violence, and the need for community intervention. By integrating art with advocacy, my work not only raises awareness but also mobilizes communities toward action. I collaborate with activists, grassroots organizations, and survivors to ensure that these artistic expressions translate into meaningful change—whether through policy discussions, awareness campaigns, or cultural shifts.

What does this award mean for you and your artistic practice?

This award will provide me with the resources, visibility, and networks necessary to deepen my engagement with communities and enhance the effectiveness of my work.

First, I aim to scale my film projects, ensuring they reach wider audiences and are integrated into educational and advocacy programs. Films like Daughter of the Lake (femicide) and In His Mind (Gender Based Violence), have already sparked dialogue, but with the right support, they can be used in workshops, community screenings, and policy discussions to drive real change. This award would also ensure completion of some pending film projects like Hate Ivy (HIV stigma) and shaka (drug and substance abuse).

Second, I want to use dance and music as tools for community healing and empowerment. With this award, I can develop performances and artistic collaborations that engage survivors, activists, and young people in reclaiming their narratives through movement and sound. Other pending music projects, like mudho (social injustices) and gola ( unfair artist profiling) will also be brought to completion using the support from this award.

Third, I plan to strengthen my advocacy through fashion by incorporating storytelling into wearable art. Clothing can be a statement, a form of identity reclamation, and a way to spark dialogue. I want to use fashion to visually represent themes of empowerment, resistance, and cultural pride while supporting initiatives that provide economic opportunities for marginalized women. This is going to be done by a fashion company, Leo Apolo, that I am starting