With MHREC’s own experience and its documented use world wide; using black out poetry as a tool of creative expression and social activism is a unique and compelling tool for amplifying voices and advocating for human rights. This approach to art and activism involves using existing texts by selectively redacting words, creating a new piece that carries a message.
Within the context of European Youth Week 2024 (EYW2024), this tool of expression aligns seamlessly with the EU’s youth policies aimed at fostering inclusion, creativity and civic engagement with young Europeans.
By repurposing words from newspapers, books, or any printed material, blackout poetry creates new narratives that on this occasion shed light on social justice, human rights, and equality. During the Saturday 13th April session, participants used available materials and challenged themselves to voice their perspectives on social issues.
Participants were seen to be enjoying themselves as they found the exercise a dynamic avenue to express their concerns, advocate for change, and contribute to meaningful dialogues on human rights and societal progress.
As we navigate European Youth Week 2024, MHREC encourages readers, members, volunteers and the general public to embrace blackout poetry as a catalyst for change and empowerment. By linking artistic expression with EU youth policies, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future, where young voices resonate with power and purpose.
Be sure to check out our interactive exhibition of the pieces created during the MHREC Building Bridges activity on 13th April. Until then, check out some individual pieces below!
This activity is being organised for the European Youth Week (EYW2024) and funded by the European Commission. This is a biennial event by the European Commission promoting youth engagement and active citizenship across Europe. It raises awareness of youth involvement in decision-making, fosters dialogue between young people and policymakers, and showcases the talents and projects of young Europeans.
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