The Role of Art in Empowering Marginalized Communities

Okwerede Emmanuel

College of Economics, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Art has historically played a significant role in providing a voice to marginalized communities, enabling them to share their unique cultural narratives, express resilience, and advocate for social justice. This paper examines how visual, performing, and folk arts contribute to the empowerment of communities that have long been excluded from socio-political and economic development. Through historical analysis of art movements such as the Mexican Muralist Movement and the Black Arts Movement, alongside case studies like the Allsorts SLAM and “I am Liverpool,” the study underscores art’s role in fostering identity construction, well-being, and social capital. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges in aligning art-based initiatives with the true needs of marginalized groups and proposes strategies for creating sustainable, community-centered art projects that drive long-term empowerment.

Keywords: Marginalized communities, Empowerment through art, Cultural identity, Social justice.

CITE AS: Okwerede Emmanuel. (2024). The Role of Art in Empowering Marginalized Communities. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN EDUCATION 4(2):54-57. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJRE/2024/425457