Consultancy open call – Researcher for project on artivism

Global civil society alliance CIVICUS seeks consultancy support for a research project on civil society artivism

Location: global (remote)

Duration: 6 months

Start day: immediate

Budget range: US$ 16,000 to US$ 20,000

About CIVICUS

CIVICUS is a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists working to strengthen citizen action and civil society throughout the world. More than 15,000 members from over 175 countries make up our vibrant and Majority World led alliance. Since 1993, we build solidarity among activists across borders and network and resource civil society around the world. We produce timely and cutting-edge knowledge and analysis and build narratives. Our advocacy focuses on creating open spaces, lasting systems change, and including groups often discriminated against.

About CIVICUS research

We have two primary research streams, focused on civic space and civil society action, respectively. While the CIVICUS Monitor tracks civic space conditions around the world, CIVICUS Lens offers timely analysis of civil society developments, highlighting stories of civic action and breakthroughs. The CIVICUS Lens team also produces our annual flagship report, the State of Civil Society Report, which examines major trends in civil society action, as well as thematic reports investigating specific issues, with recent publications focused on youth movements and climate activism. Our 2025 thematic report will explore artivism – the intersection of art and activism – examining how civil society harnesses arts, culture and creative expression for social change.

Our view of artivism

This intersection of artistic expression and activism represents more than just creative resistance—it embodies an approach to systemic change. While civic space restrictions often manifest through formal structures like legal frameworks and institutions, these systems are ultimately sustained by cultural beliefs and values. Artivism serves as a powerful tool to engage with both these formal and informal dimensions of power.

The project conceptualises artivism broadly, encompassing not only contemporary creative expression but also traditional cultural practices. This inclusive framework recognises that what the Global North might label as artistic or creative expression often manifests in Indigenous and traditional communities as integral cultural practices that shape worldviews and can become sources of resilience and resistance.

This approach recognises artivism not just as a tactical tool for advocacy, but also as a transformative force that can reshape cultural narratives and create spaces for marginalised voices to emerge and thrive. Artivism operates on multiple levels: as a tool for social advocacy and community engagement, as a means to create safe spaces for healing and resistance, and as a pathway for transforming hearts and minds. In contexts of restricted civic space, creative and cultural expression can open dialogues where traditional advocacy might be silenced, helping movements build solidarity and resilience.

This research seeks to understand how various manifestations of artivism—from digital creative resistance to traditional cultural practices— can help strengthen civil society action and create systemic change by challenging oppressive systems and nurturing alternative visions of society.

About the consultancy

The consultant will support CIVICUS’s artivism project through research and analysis examining how activists use artistic, performative and expressive tools for social change. The consultant will conduct literature reviews, collect materials, organise consultations, conduct interviews and produce analysis pieces, including case studies, documenting creative resistance strategies and their impact. They will map global trends in artistic activism, examining intersections between creative expression and civic action across different regions and contexts. They will explore how artivism manifests in various struggles, from civic and democratic freedoms to environmental justice and social inclusion.

The research will specifically document innovative artivism tactics and evaluate their effectiveness in different contexts. Special attention will be paid to digital artivism and online creative resistance strategies, particularly in restricted civic spaces. The consultant will analyse how artivism intersects with civic space restrictions and contributes to movement building and cross-border solidarity.

Research methodology

The research should employ a mixed-methods approach, including:

·       Participatory research methods

·       Documentation of both traditional and contemporary artistic practices

·       Digital ethnography for online creative resistance

·       Careful consideration of cultural context and power dynamics

·       Protection of sensitive information and sources

Geographic diversity is essential, with case studies required from at least four different world regions, with an emphasis on the Global South. The consultant should include methodological details in their application.

Deliverables

The consultant will produce the following outputs:

·       Detailed research methodology and workplan

·       Comprehensive literature review and conceptual framework (15-20 pages)

·       Global database/mapping documenting minimum 50 artivist initiatives

·       8-10 in-depth case studies (approx. 5 pages each)

·       20-25 interviews with artists and activists

·       Comprehensive final report (40-50 pages)

·       Executive summary and recommendations (5-7 pages)

·       Presentation of key findings

·       Complete dataset in agreed format

All materials must be submitted in English, with proper citations and documentation. Each deliverable will go through CIVICUS’s established review and editing process. All research outputs will become the property of CIVICUS

Reporting and quality assurance

The consultant will:

·       Report directly to the Senior Research Specialist

·       Participate in weekly progress meetings with the research team

·       Submit materials every two weeks for review

·       Follow CIVICUS’s style guide

·       Incorporate feedback from reviews

·       Ensure fact-checking and verification of all data

Key requirements

·       Degree in any of the Social Sciences

·       Proficiency in English; additional languages (preferably Arabic, French and/or Spanish) a plus

·       Demonstrated knowledge of civil society and social movements

·       Minimum five years of research experience

·       Strong qualitative research and interviewing skills

·       Experience with participatory research methodologies

·       Knowledge of research ethics and source protection

·       Experience documenting artistic/cultural practices a plus

·       Proven track record of research publications

·       Good organisation skills, ability to work independently

·       Ability to work across time zones and meet deadlines

Application procedure

Interested candidates are welcome to attach the following when completing the applications form:

·       Full CV

·       One-page cover letter highlighting relevant experience

·       Research proposal including a detailed methodology, a weekly workplan and a budget breakdown

·       A writing sample

·       Two professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

For questions, contact research@civicus.org.

We appreciate and consider each application submitted. However, given the large volume of applications received, we find it impossible to respond to each applicant immediately. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend interviews, and we will let you know the next steps. We will also update all applicants once the consultancy has been filled.  CIVICUS reserves the right to withdraw from any of our adverts at any time.

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