Sundance Institute

In October, the Stories of Change Lab convened a select group of independent storytellers and social entrepreneurs supported by the Skoll Foundation. The goal of the lab is to nurture collaboration among artists and changemakers in ways that protect the artists’ autonomy and can meet the social impact goals of the social entrepreneurs. Is this a narrow needle to thread? To examine this question, we asked the project team working on Water Inequality in Kenya, a short film at the lab, to share their thoughts on the intersection of art and impact in 50 words or less.

Judy Kibinge, Director, Water Inequality in Kenya

“Art speaks in a way that isn’t logical—it’s emotional; personal. Artistic images, sequences, and sounds connect with us in ways that speak intimately to us in a language that is interpreted afresh by the individual eyes or ears it falls upon. Thus we are deeply impacted because we feel we truly ‘own’ what we have experienced.”

Steve Metcalfe, Head of Communications, Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor

“Many artists would argue that all art creates impact; but what I took away from the lab was that whilst emotional impact might be what many filmmakers aim for, films can also go on to create social impact—and this possibility can be increased through careful partnership with a non-profit organization.”

Pauline Nyota, Project Officer (Social), Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor

“The intersection lies in being able to tell your story in such a simple but powerful way, that your audience lives it (the art) and are incited to act accordingly (impact) all without you being in their face about it.”

Emily Wanja, Producer, Water Inequality in Kenya

“Art puts a face to an issue. It’s like it personifies what’s sometimes a complex topic and so when you watch you feel something. It’s like art gives that emotional connection that will often make the person watching want to do something about the issue at hand.”