Mission: Empowering change through eco-conscious art
The What: Stojanovski founded Artists 4 Sustainability (currently on hiatus), a youth-led working group that empowers emerging artists to work with natural materials and use art as a means to address urgent environmental and social justice issues. As a co-founder of the Scarbrite Collective, the award-winning multidisciplinary artist advocates for art as a catalyst for community-building and meaningful conversations. “I work at the intersection of art, business and environmentalism to realize sustainable futures where people feel empowered to be themselves and live in reciprocity with the natural world.”
The Impact: Since 2016, Stojanovski has designed and delivered over 20 different “art-ivations” — interactive art installations and workshops in the greater Toronto area and abroad that invite people to see the earth as an extension of themselves. To date, the Scarbright team has brought a sense of hope, colour and positivity to over 1000 Scarborough residents through programs like Scarborough HERstory Expressions (SHE), ChalkforChange, and Makers in Motion.
Outside of Artists 4 Sustainability and Scarbrite, Stojanovski runs a community fence mural project called Planting Seeds of Change that invites folks of all ages to imagine futures beyond the climate crisis and centre sustainability, nature, and community.
A View from the Top: Recently named one of Canada’s top 25 under 25 environmentalists by The Starfish Canada and a Rising Star in community arts leadership by Dancing Damsels Inc.
Fun Fact: Stojanovski is currently reading, “The Greater Good: Social Entrepreneurship for Everyday People Who Want to Change the World,” by Madeleine Shaw
Sound Advice: “I’m not trying to save the world single-handedly or by choice. I am involved in climate action work out of necessity: If the world was a safe, equitable and just place for all, I imagine that I would continue to work as a community artist–leading creative experiences that promote radical connection, reflection and healing.”
What’s Next? Stojanovski would like to see a shift towards adopting circular models of production and consumption across all sectors, considering material use and longevity at every stage of the creative process. “My work at the intersection of art, business and environmentalism is ongoing. Moving forward, I plan to continue to explore how to foster human-nature connectedness through community art-making.”
The Call To Action: “Read a lot. Make a lot. Share a lot. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, or showing up ‘imperfectly.’ It’s better to show up just where you are, as you are, than not to show up at all. Just go for it. Use your creativity and storytelling abilities to make an impact. Your voice matters. Your work is necessary. The world needs what YOU have to offer.”
QUOTE: “My artworks are portals of possibility.”
For More information go to: https://sylviestojanovski.com
To See the other 2024 Change Maker Award Winner click on their name below:
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