our story

approach

The Starving Artist initiative is an innovative and unique approach that uses art and creativity to promote representation and intersectionality in civic reform. By utilizing art and culture, the initiative educates and raises awareness about the lived experiences of marginalized communities to a wider audience, including policy makers, educators, and healthcare professionals.

This helps create a more inclusive and representative civic reform process. Led by experts in lived-in experiences and arts, the initiative provides platforms and spaces for marginalized communities to express themselves and collaborate with others towards common goals. With their expertise, commitment, and leveraging of art and culture, the team is poised to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond.

from the beginning

Our story begins with Ally Zlatar, she stated:

‘Growing up, I suffered from a severe eating disorder for over 10 years. It massively affected my health, leaving me with several chronic illnesses. My traditional Eastern European family didn't understand the depths of mental illness, and medical practitioners saw a diagnosis; they didn't see the person suffering behind the disease. I only was able to find my voice through art, and it helped me connect and promote authentic and vulnerable communication around unwell bodies. From there, it led me to start The Starving Artist’.

- ally zlatar

https://youtu.be/nGrQIbyjJ-o

In response, Ally established The Starving Artist in 2017 as a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who have their voices neglected in our global communities. Ally believes that the medium of art can give voice to the numbers of those affected globally. She aspires to instigate transformative impacts of art-advocacy to catalyze change. Utilizing art, education, and advocacy, Ally empowers others, underscoring the profound potential of creative voices in steering systemic reform. She strives to empower others to use art as a tool for self-reflection and civic engagement with the broader goal of reshaping societal narratives and championing the resilience of creative voices in change-making.

sustainable development goals

The 'Starving Artist' initiative actively contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By promoting the participation of marginalized communities in art and culture, it addresses SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through empowering marginalized communities, raising awareness about their specific health needs, and fostering collaboration with artists and civic organizations, the initiative works towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

The 'Starving Artist Fund' is committed to offering financial support for marginalized communities requiring inpatient treatment for eating disorders. Many individuals in these communities encounter obstacles to accessing treatment, including limited healthcare access and financial constraints. The funds generated from our 'Starving Artist' events, exhibitions, and sales are dedicated to assisting these individuals in receiving the necessary care and support for their recovery. We firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to access vital treatment for a healthy life, and this scholarship program is one of the ways we are actively working towards making that aspiration a reality.

NEXT APPLICATIONS OPEN DEC 2024