Kevin Jesuino

Trico Changemakers Studio has, over the past 3 years, offered me so much knowledge in terms of systems change and social innovation. Combined with my experience with arts for social change, I am excited by the integration of both these fields of work and the opportunities to pass on this knowledge to students and faculty of MRU and members of the Trico Changemaker Studio.

I have stood on a soap box, for almost a decade now, encouraging artists to go beyond the confines of white studios and black box theatres and get out into communities to pass on art-based approaches to communities and public spaces. I know the value that arts bring to people and places. By being a part of the residency I am able to meaningfully offer up my passion for social change through the arts and give these tools to people who can go off and actually make change in their individual communities. 

My artistic background, although rooted in live performance, is quite interdisciplinary and varies depending on the need of the project. I typically use art to investigate bodies, places and relationships. I have a long term commitment to working with LGBTQ2S+ youth and also in using art to process, educate and bring about social change in the realm of climate change and climate justice. My recent research explores the queer body, ecology, fragility and modes of being together. My community-embedded projects engage participants in performative actions, discussions, creative interventions, activations, and other forms of organizing — positioning art & culture as a vehicle for meaningful social change.

I want to import the creative facilitation tool kits I use for other changemakers interested in using the language and process of the arts in their changemaking endeavours. 

My advice for artists interested in changemaking:

YOU ARE THE CULTURE. YOU ARE THE CHANGE!