Exploring ‘artivist’ innovations in Ireland’s pro-choice campaign

Abstract:This article looks at the artistic practices of feminist pro-choice artivists in Ireland, in the successful mobilisation for repeal of the Eighth amendment. It focuses in particular on the home|work.collective, who in their performances in public places of The Renunciation - a performed reading of abortion stories - helped to make people’s lived experiences visible at multiple scales: new technology enabled them to ‘stretch’ the reach of these performances into digital space, and to leverage the opportunities offered by social media for horizontal organising. The Renunciation’s transnational resonance also enabled it to travel to spaces beyond its original performance sites. Through combining political public art and performance with technology, new possibilities emerged for solidarity, visibility and public participation in advancing reproductive rights. Creating and connecting new spaces of solidarity - ‘hybrid spaces’ - new possibilities for alliance-making were opened up.