The Outspoken Native is a collaborative platform that uses art to flip the script on how we perceive colonialism. We turn the spot light on current realities of colonialism and invite everyone to take a deeper look. The platform creates opportunities for those who've benefited from colonialism to do more than just nod along. It gives everyone a chance to step up, take responsibility, and turn words into action.
We do so through creative programmes and public experiences around specific themes of colonisalisation. Our work has three key facets -
Creation: Working with specific communities to co-create cultural artefacts. This is a form of self expression for the creator, potentially a chance to find new language for previously unrealised emotions and stories around colonialism.
Actions: Presenting clear calls to action, curated to the theme being discussed. This is where we shift the burden of changing the status quo to those who benefit from colonialism.
Experiences: Designing transformative experiences (decolonised spaces, exhibitions, immersive dialogue ****sessions) that uses the created cultural artefacts to shift perspectives. These are moments for questions, honesty, and creating awareness.
⌛ Because it just takes too long to wait for systems to change
💪 Because bottom up approaches matter
⚖️ Because we need to shift the burden of colonialism to those who benefit from it!
Many who've suffered the brunt of colonialism don't just survive, they thrive. They adapt, they persevere, and often, they work tirelessly behind the scenes to make things better for all of us. Yet their efforts often go unnoticed, unappreciated, and unpaid.
But let's not kid ourselves. For much of the world, shaking off the shackles of colonisation feels like an uphill battle with no end in sight. It's woven into the fabric of society, a relentless force that's hard to escape.
And here's the challenge: the narratives spun by those in power, whether in colonising nations or within our own communities, often shield us from facing our own complicity. It prevents us from owning up to the privileges we enjoy at the expense of others.
So, where do we go from here? If we're serious about dismantling the legacy of colonialism, we need to shift the burden of action from the shoulders of the oppressed to those who benefit from the status quo.
It's time to roll up our sleeves, confront uncomfortable truths, and work together to build a future where everyone can thrive. Are you in?