The Starving Artist

‘Art is not just an accessory on gallery walls but, it can be at the forefront of change-making'

The Starving Artist initiative empowers people through creative arts, putting lived-in experiences at the forefront. We aim to promote authentic and vulnerable engagement discourse and bring about change within current systems. Our focus is on championing emerging voices with creative arts-education teaching individuals to explore their experiences and impact change-making.

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Overview

HundrED shortlisted this innovation

HundrED has shortlisted this innovation to one of its innovation collections. The information on this page has been checked by HundrED.

Updated April 2025

Web presence

2017

Established

30K 2024

10

Countries

Community

Target group

The Starving Artist innovates education by using art to amplify marginalized voices, promote representation, and foster civic reform. It engages with mental health, migration, climate, & conflict through exhibitions, publications, & art-based reflection cards, building art & business skills scholarship fund support artists and communities. Impact spans 50+ artists, 30+ countries, & 30,000+ lives.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

Growing up, I suffered from a severe eating disorder for over 10 years. It severely impacted my health, leaving me with several chronic illnesses. My traditional Eastern European family didn’t understand mental illness, and medical practitioners saw only a diagnosis, not the person suffering. Art helped me find my voice, allowing me to connect and promote authentic communication.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

The Starving Artist initiative is an innovative and unique approach that uses art and creativity to promote representation and intersectionality in civic reform. By utilizing art and culture, the initiative educates and raises awareness about the lived experiences of marginalized communities to a wider audience, including policy makers, educators, and healthcare professionals.

How has it been spreading?

Since its inception in 2017, The Starving Artist has positively impacted over 100,000 lives across 30+ countries through various activist endeavors. These efforts include the establishment of the Scholarship Fund, exhibitions, public talks, and campaigns aimed at enhancing well-being. Four volumes sharing artists' experiences of illness have been published, with over 500 copies sold globally, influencing universities worldwide. Engaging with esteemed institutions like The British Museum, Smithsonian, and TEDx, The Starving Artist has hosted over 40 artist talks and 20+ exhibitions, attended by more than 2,000 individuals. Proceeds from art sales and projects contribute to The Starving Artist Scholarship, raising funds since 2018 to help marginalized individuals access healthcare.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

Visit our website for more information: https://starvingartist.cargo.site/

Video Information: https://youtu.be/H9MNCC1Pnh4

Implementation steps

Explore Initiatives

Begin by exploring The Starving Artist's initiatives, including exhibitions, open calls, and reflection cards. Visit the official website to understand the diverse themes, art forms, and opportunities available for engagement. Familiarize yourself with the current calls for submissions, application deadlines, and themes such as African Diaspora identity or peace-activism.

Participate in Our Endeavours

If you're an artist or advocate, actively participate in open calls, workshops, events that align with your interests. Access the application forms provided for each initiative, like "Belonging in African Diaspora" or " The Strings That Bind Us for preventable disease awareness on Aids and HIV Advocacy" Follow the guidelines and submit your work or join live events to foster & develop your creative voice with The Starving Artist's mission of authentic and vulnerable storytelling.

Engage with Reflection Cards and Publications

Explore our diverse self-led resources such as or the innovative art-based reflection cards designed for personal well-being. Choose from the available sets, such as "Voices Above Water," "The Migrant Voice," "The Vulnerable Man," or "The Starving Artist." Use these cards as a creative & introspective tool to navigate mental health journeys or explore the impacts of migration & climate on well-being. We also have publications + art advocacy readings for self-led learning.

Stay Involved

Stay updated on upcoming exhibitions, projects, publications organized by The Starving Artist. You can attend our free virtual or physical exhibitions to witness the transformative power of art in addressing social issues. We also have artist education talks, social media campaigns & collaborations that fostering a deeper understanding of the lived experiences depicted in the artworks. Share your perspectives and contribute to the dialogue around mental health, equality, and societal challenges.