Art that connects, transforms, and drives social change

Arts Lab is a participatory visual arts initiative founded by artist Sara Downham-Lotto. 

Through workshops, artist residencies, research and international partnerships, it develops and shares a creative methodology that integrates visual arts, peacebuilding and community-led social change.

We bring people together through participatory visual arts to respond to some of today’s biggest challenges – from climate change and inequality to conflict, wellbeing and community resilience. By combining artistic enquiry, dialogue, observation and collaborative making, we create inclusive spaces where people strengthen creativity, resilience and relationships while imagining positive futures together.

Participatory visual arts are a powerful way of learning, communicating and making change visible. 

Through looking, making and reflecting together, people discover new ways of understanding themselves, one another and the wider world.

Arts Lab connects artists, educators, community leaders and changemakers across education, climate, health, justice and peacebuilding.

Why art? Why now?

In a time of environmental crisis, growing division and rapid technological change, creativity, curiosity and human connection matter more than ever. We believe that strengthening people’s capacity to imagine and create positive futures together is one of the most powerful ways to build more resilient, connected and sustainable communities.

“Whether making art or making change, meaningful transformation begins by bringing together our heads, hearts, eyes and hands.”
Sara Downham-Lotto