ARTivism: Inspiring Activism Through The Arts

On December 4th, ICAAD hosted Canvas of Change, an intimate art fundraiser supporting our Artivism Program and our broader work at the intersection of art and human rights. Whether you joined us in Tribeca or followed along from afar, we wanted to share a glimpse of the evening—and what it’s helping to make possible.

The evening brought together artists, advocates, technologists, funders, and friends to celebrate the role of creative practice in advancing human rights—and to collectively support ICAAD’s work at the intersection of art and advocacy. 

It was a special night of conversation, creative exchange, and shared commitment to justice. We were honored to be joined by ICAAD Artivists Namita Kulkarni from India and Harbani Ahuja from New York, and to experience work that reflects how art can illuminate lived experience, challenge inequity, and imagine new pathways forward.

The live auction was a highlight of the evening and was expertly led by professional auctioneer Jacqueline Towers-Perkins, whose stewardship and energy helped make the fundraiser a success. With 54 people in attendance, we raised $60,630, and sold 10 artworks. Proceeds from both the live and silent auctions directly support ICAAD’s Artivism Program, the artivists we work with, and our broader human rights work.

Jacqueline Towers-Perkins kept the audience excited to give. 

The artworks featured in Canvas of Change span painting, mixed media, digital, and text-based work, each rooted in distinct cultural and political contexts. Several of the works shared during the evening are slated to be featured in an upcoming Canvas of Change exhibition at the United Nations in 2026, reflecting the growing role of art in global human rights spaces.

ICAAD Artivist Namita Kulkarni speaking about her artwork and the importance of artistic activism.

We extend our sincere thanks to Jim Leitner and Tracy Higgins for so generously hosting the evening, and to our law firm sponsors, Manatt and Clifford Chance, whose support helped make this fundraiser possible.

L to R: Hansdeep Singh, Tracy Higgins, Jim Leitner, Jaspreet Singh, Jyoti Diwan

Canvas of Change Silent Auction — Relaunching for Two Weeks

For those who were unable to participate during the event, we have reopened the Canvas of Change silent auction for a limited two-week period, ending on 12/29. This relaunch offers an opportunity to explore and purchase artwork from ICAAD’s global Artivism Program while directly supporting artists and human rights advocacy.

All proceeds support ICAAD’s Artivism Program and ICAAD’s broader work across law, data, advocacy, and creative engagement—equipping communities most impacted by systemic inequity with tools to drive long-term change.

Bid Boldly in the Silent Auction

Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed, and helped make Canvas of Change such a meaningful and successful evening. We are grateful to be building this work alongside such a committed community.

ICAAD Artivists Harbani Ahuja and Namita Kulkarni