Using arts and crafts for improving position of oppressed animals: Marita Tanninen (Vegan Vortex; FI)

“Every person has a key to change the world. I believe spreading the knowledge about animal rights is one thing that can make a big influence, and I think we are heading to more cruelty-free world all the time. If and when we are aware of these things, we can also demand improvements to be written in our laws. For example, many countries have banned fur farming lately. We just have to fight against the system.”

Promoting vegan, feminist and environmental messages on film and also behind the camera: Melanie Light (UK)

“There is something which is like an addiction from working in the film industry, I love it as form of art and creativity. It is really hard, long hours and can fuck with your mental health but I feel like there is nothing else I could do with myself. I am working hard to get myself into a position where I can use my platform of film making to spread messages and awareness of positivity.”

Making people smile: Maarika (Teacup Goblins; EE)

“I want my art to make people smile. It's not a huge goal but it might just make a small difference in someone's day. To me that's good enough.”

Pointing out social injustices and alternatives: Alex (roots of compassion; DE)

“For me being active doesn’t necessarily mean torching slaughterhouses or liberating animals, even though these methods can be absolutely appropriate. The main form of activism we engage in as a collective is education, through books, blog entries, messages on stickers, patches and T-shirts. We financially support projects that have a more direct and militant approach (e.g. the occupiers of the Hambacher Forest in Germany) and write about their actions because in our opinion different forms of activism have to go hand in hand if we want to have an impact. /…/ As a long-time activist, whom I once met at the Animal Rights Gathering, put it: “You are not the movement, you are part of the movement.” I would like to add: “Take care of others and fight for their rights, but also take care of yourself.””