LIVID3: where art and activism collide — a chat with the collective

As more artists gain the tools to release their work independently, allowing them to bypass traditional gatekeepers, artistic collectives have become increasingly vital.

These collaborative spaces offer more than just practical support, they foster community, enable networking and provide a platform for artists to express political and personal convictions without the constraints of corporate oversight. By creating space for marginalised voices and radical expression, such collectives empower artists to make work that is both creatively and socially transformative.

Driven through community building and artistic expression, the trans feminist collective LIVID3 provides a platform for creatives to shed light on current major political issues impacting women, non-binary and trans individuals today. With links across the UK & Europe, LIVID3 is a budding grass-roots movement focused on sharing art as a form of political expression.

Both founders shared their inspiration for starting LIVID3 stemmed from wanting to be a part of trans feminist movements. However, both were struggling to locally find a space that utilised art as the dominant for of expressing these views. Through LIVID3, many artists have found a collaborative space that fosters political action through artistic expression. Currently, the collective has held events in Glasgow and Edinburgh features queer DJ’s and art from fellow members. The events themselves were amazing nights of celebrating female, trans and non-binary creatives, raising attention to the cause with dance and community.

One artist, Ruth Burns, whose work is featured in the photos accompanying the article, explained the importance of collectives such as LIVID3:

"As a young female creative it can be intimidating to share work, especially if its personal. Working with LIVID3 really positively challenges me to push myself in my work when its so supported by a collective of peers that I have so much respect for"

In the words of one of its founders, ‘art is the best way to let out that rage’. The name of the collective meaning ‘livid’, as well as playing on the Italian word for bruise ‘livido’, the name at once symbolises the anger individuals feel at the violence against them, as well as giving women, non-binary and trans identities a platform to stand against them.

In the world of increasing saturation online and in creative industries, artistic collective such as LIVID3 build community, networks and act as a voice for political expression and frustration. If any budding artists are looking to build a network and likeminded community, look to and help build more spaces like this!

Follow LIVID3 here.