The Power of Art in Activism to End Domestic Violence: Reflection from Our ACTivist of the Month
A world in which lives are placed before power and profit is the dream world of our ACTivist of the month, Rebecca Colling. An interdisciplinary artist from Oxfordshire and one of the brilliant minds behind Spring ACT’s visuals, Rebecca has carved her path to global digital activism through art.
Through art, she transforms trauma into powerful visual narratives that champion justice and healing. She is proof that creativity can be a lifeline and a tool for change.
Let’s take a closer look at Rebecca’s fascinating work and what drives her commitment.
Everyone has a story – where does yours begin? What was your childhood like, and what sparks your inner fire?
I’m an interdisciplinary artist based in Oxfordshire, England. As a child, I found myself naturally drawn to drawing, painting, writing stories, and film. Over time, my interests evolved to include digital art, photography, graphic design, and audiovisual editing. My childhood was marked by trauma, and I struggled with severe depression and anxiety throughout my teenage years. I also experienced Selective Mutism, so
“art became my safe space, my language.”
Whether I’m creating or engaging with others’ work, art allows me to express myself, connect without words and tap into universal experiences.
What brought you to volunteering?
I’d volunteered before with an environmental movement and found it deeply rewarding. It gave me a way to channel anxiety into action. For me, volunteering is a constructive response to existential fear. It is how I channel anxiety into something meaningful.
“It is how I contribute to something larger than myself, alongside others who share a vision of change.”
Why Spring ACT? What about this organisation resonated with your values, goals, or personal journey?
Spring ACT’s mission to create a world free from social injustices really resonated with me. I admire how they use technology to drive meaningful global impact, and I saw a space where my art could reach wider audiences and spark reflection, or even change. That’s the kind of work I want to be part of.
What does a typical day look like for you at Spring ACT? How has the journey been so far?
I primarily help create visual assets for Spring ACT and its projects, including the Comeback CatZ app and chatbot Sophia. These are used on their social media channels. So far, I’ve had a very positive experience volunteering for Spring ACT, and it’s given me a much greater sense of purpose in my life. I haven’t been able to engage with the Spring ACT community as much as I would like because of my work schedule and energy capacities, but the few closer connections I have are always supportive and uplifting, and I’m grateful to be a part of this community.
What are the 3 things you think of in your creative process before you work on any project?
For me, creativity isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about intention, connection, and growth.
“Each project is a chance to reflect, learn, and create something that resonates deeply with people.”
Before I begin, I always ask myself three things:
- What do I already know about this form or style?
- Where are my gaps, and how can this project help me grow?
- What will make this stand out and meaningful?
“Art has an irreplaceable role in connecting with people”
How do you think art can play a role in preventing domestic abuse?
Art is a universal language and has the potential to reach parts of ourselves that might otherwise remain unseen or unheard. When used as a vehicle to educate on domestic abuse, it becomes a means of – on an individual level – enabling victim-survivors to understand and articulate their own experiences, and – on a societal level – creating ways for people to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and communicate these experiences to each other.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to anyone eager to roll up their sleeves and get involved in activism?
Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t. Don’t get overwhelmed by what’s out of reach. Start with your strengths and build momentum from there.
“Activism begins with small, intentional steps.”
What’s your vision of an injustice-free world?
My vision is fairly simple: a world in which human and non-human lives are placed before power and profit. Where differences between us are acknowledged and respected, rather than being viewed and portrayed as threatening, but where genuinely harmful behaviour is addressed and called out.
“I’m also a firm believer that emotional intelligence needs to be recognised as an essential skill for moving towards a more equitable world.”
What are your top 3 takeaways from your experience of working with Spring ACT?
Working with Spring ACT has shaped not only how I approach activism but also how I view community, self-care, and the role of creativity in change-making. My top takeaways are:
- Global collaboration is essential in addressing global issues. Real impact comes from working across borders and backgrounds, uniting people under a shared vision of justice.
- True activism includes caring for your health and well-being. Burnout helps no one, sustainable change starts with inner balance.
- Art has an irreplaceable role in connecting with people and sparking social change. Visual storytelling has the power to make complex issues feel personal, urgent, and human.
What is your favourite quote and why?
It’s difficult to pick a favourite book or quote, but one quote/proverb that I’ve adopted as my personal motto is
“where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
This has kept me going during the most difficult periods of my life, and it’s something I always like to remind myself and those around me.
Written by Mustapha Lawal
