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Elizabeth Vega is an activist and cultural organizer who has been arrested 17 times for non-violent direct action.  She is co-founder of the direct-action group Artivists STL, a collective of artists who strive to make social justice visual. Artivists organized and planned the Requiem for Mike Brown and the Mirror Casket project collected by the Smithsonian in March 2016 for its National Museum for African American History and Culture. In 2018, Vega was the main organizer of Tornillo the Occupation, which brought national attention to a humanitarian crisis at the border. Most recently, Vega collaborated with BLM Louisville on a massive banner honoring Breonna Taylor and others killed by police. Activists are still standing trial for this action.

Vega is founder of ARTHouse, a collaborative community for activists located in the heart of St. Louis. Art House not only provides affordable housing for activists but also does grassroots organizing for the neighborhood including a food share program and art outreach for neighborhood children.  A graduate of UMSL’s clinical mental health program, Vega is committed to using art and writing to facilitate emotional justice in communities impacted by violence and helping to build a mutual aid network in her neighborhood.

Elizabeth Vega will be presenting "How Artivists Will Save The World" on Friday, October 7th at 11am. Her session will be virtual, and registration is required.