In this engaging panel discussion, facilitated by Jessica Palalagi, GM for the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, panelists Bridget Williams, founder of Bead and Proceed and celebrated artist Judy Darragh share insights into successful advocacy through art and campaigns. Representing voices of social change, the panel delves into strategies for influencing public perception and inspiring action. Stace Robertson from Arts Access Aotearoa reads a statement from Kassie Hartendorp, amplifying perspectives on equity and inclusion. Discover powerful takeaways on the role of creativity in advocacy and learn how to adopt these strategies into your own work for social change.

Jessica Palalagi Born in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Jessica traces her ancestry to Niue/Nukututaha in Te Moananui a Kiwa and Aberdeen, Scotland. She has an MA in Art History from Auckland University where she focused on contemporary Maori and Pasifika art. Currently she is the Kaiwhakahaere/GM for the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi and is also one of the founders of In*ter*is*land Collective; a misfit collection of tagata Moana aunties, activists and artists based in London, UK and Aotearoa.

Artist Judy Darragh lives and works in Auckland and played a significant role in developing ARTSPACE, Teststrip, and Cuckoo. She completed a Diploma in Visual Communication and Design at Wellington Polytechnic and has taught at the tertiary level for many years. Her work is held in major collections, including Christchurch Art Gallery, Te Papa Tongarewa, Auckland Art Gallery, and Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. In 2004, Te Papa featured a major retrospective of her work titled 'Judy Darragh: So... you made it?', curated by Natasha Conland. 

Bridget Williams founded Bead and Proceed in 2018, a social enterprise using creativity to promote the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She is a recognised SDGs expert in Aotearoa and beyond, an elected community board member, and active in global networks like the World Economic Forum Global Shapers, Global Women, and the Asia New Zealand Leadership Network. Her work has been acknowledged by leaders such as Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, and she was a 2023 Local Hero Medallist by the New Zealander of the Year Awards.