Artivism: The Power of Art in Activism | Vien Valencia | TEDxAteneodeManilaU
Vien Valencia explores artivism—the powerful intersection of art and activism—as a tool for connection, remembrance, and resistance. Drawing from personal experiences of displacement and a lifelong search for belonging, Vien shares the story of how art became a space to question systems, preserve memory, and spark collective action.Through the Tinipak River Archive, Vien works alongside the Dumagat Remontado community, whose ancestral lands are threatened by the construction of the Kaliwa Dam. More than an artistic initiative, this project documents material and emotional histories of the river, transforming art into a vessel for advocacy and solidarity. Vien’s talk invites the audience to reflect on how creativity can be used to confront injustice, amplify marginalized voices, and build new paths forward, especially at pivotal turning points in society.At the heart of Vien's message is a simple, urgent truth: the right to space is the right to dignity. And through art, we find the courage to protect that right for ourselves and for others.
Vien Valencia centers his practice on the act of recording spaces, conditions, and situations that resist documentation. His work explores how people shape their spaces and how spaces, in turn, shape them. He has immersed himself in local communities, creating drawings, photographs, and materials that reject traditional methods of archiving. In 2023, Valencia received the Ateneo Art Award, followed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines Thirteen Artists Award in 2024. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 5:57The Voice of Your Image | Sweta Verma | TEDxSeasonsStreetWhat if I told you that your image speaks before your words ever do?That your presence — shaped by small, daily habits — has the power to open doors, build trust, and elevate your confidence? In this inspiring TEDx talk, Sweta Verma, Image Coach and founder of Image Unlocks, shares how small shifts lead to big transformations. Whether you're a professional, entrepreneur, student, homemaker, or leader — this message is for YOU. Discover:✅ The truth behind first impressions✅ Why image isn’t vanity — it’s VALUE✅ The 3 daily habits that shape a magnetic personal brand✅ A real-life transformation story that proves how subtle changes lead to massive results.This isn’t about expensive clothes or curated perfection.It’s about authentic alignment — showing up as the person you’re meant to be… every single day. Because people don’t buy products or services…They buy energy. Presence. Confidence. And when your image speaks your truth The world listens louder. Because as Sweta beautifully says:“People listen with their eyes. You have to speak with your appearance.”" Sweta Verma is an Image Coach, who build First Impressions for Coaches, Entrepreneuers, Business leaders, HNI, Students and homemakers to build a magnetic personality and live a life of confidence, clarity, and purpose. Founder of an authentic platform Image Unlocks, With a background in Computer Science Engineering and Defence family and over a decade of experience in personal development and corporate training, she has worked with reputed organizations like IOCL, DRDO, EIL, and Rajya Sabha anchors and many more. Sweta is the author of 3 powerful books and the creator of Unique Mechanism of 4A Framework (Appropriate, Authentic, Attractive, Affordable) to elevate presence and build lasting impressions. A Top 500 Super Speaker by Success Gyan ,Speaker in MS Talks. She is on a mission to help 100,000 people lead with image, identity, and intention. Her mantra: “Impressions sell first — before skills do.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 5:33The Silent Collapse Beneath the Waves | Reyansh Ambani | TEDxSeasonsStreet"An urgent, eye-opening journey into the vibrant world of coral reefs—and why they’re disappearing before our eyes. Imagine a glowing underwater city, teeming with life, color, and perfect harmony. Now imagine it fading—silently, invisibly—beneath the waves. In this powerful TEDx-style talk, 9th-grade student and open water certified diver Reyansh Ambani takes us beneath the surface to reveal the breathtaking beauty and shocking fragility of coral reefs. Drawing on personal diving experiences, global research, and creative climate solutions, Reyansh delivers a passionate call to action that’s as poetic as it is practical." Reyansh is a multi-disciplinary student innovator and future-tech leader, passionate about harnessing science, technology, and strategic thinking to create meaningful impact. A top 10 national Olympiad achiever and two-time Gold Scholar Award winner in ASSET exam. Ranging from distinguished placements in competitive tennis leagues like Arozo and TPL, to leading Model UN at OIS and IYC, and participating in forums like HMCSF, his strong foundation in logic and mental agility earned him national distinction in Mental Math competitions by Global Maths Science Education. A certified green belt in Tae Kwon Do and a White Hat certified developer, his interest in applied technology have taken him to intensive robotics and innovation programs at Northwestern and Plaksha University. He nurtures a deep connection with oceans. As an open water certified diver, he channels his love for marine ecosystems into conversations about conservation, exploration, and the future of climate technology. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
