Stunts- Commons Library

Counter-protesters opposed to Mary Whitehouse march behind a banner reading Free Abortion on Demand.

Menstrual Pies! Creative Activism Against Far-Right Bigotry During the 1970s

An interview about the pieing of far-right campaigner Mary Whitehouse by Australian creative activists in 1978.

Grevillea: Creative Interventions in Western Australia during the 1990s

An interview with a member of the Western Australia-based Grevillea about how the group applied a dynamic and creative perspective to approaching issues such as militarism, pollution and international solidarity during the 1980s and 1990s.

Three people at a table outside with white tablecloth that has word BlackRock on it. The people are eating fake money. A banner in the background says When the last tree is dead

“You can’t eat money”: An interview with Extinction Rebellion activist Jo Flanagan

Interview with an Extinction Rebellion activist about a protest against BlackRock in 2019. She explains how the action was conceptualised, organised & run.

Humorous Political Stunts: Nonviolent Public Challenges to Power

An exploration of how creative activists combine humour with seriousness via stunts to create change, including a case study of the John Howard Ladies’ Auxiliary Fan Club.

book cover of pranksters vs autocrats|A man holding bat is about to hit a red barrel with Milosevic's face on it. There are bystanders watching in the background.|Cindy Sheehan standing behind podium with microphone holding arm up. The sign at the front of the podium says Bring the Troops home now.

Dilemma Actions: The Power of Putting your Opponent in a Bind

A study of 44 dilemma actions over the last 90 years examines the many benefits of creative protests for social movements.

anti nuclear protestors on USS Worden ship with protest banners saying No Nuclear Weapons

Project Iceberg: Fremantle’s Response to Visiting Nuclear Warships in the 1980s

A history of the unique nonviolent civil disobedience activities of a group of mainly Fremantle residents aimed at US nuclear warships between 1983 and 1985.

big protest signs on a parade of cars heading down a city street

Tactics in a Time of Physical Distancing: Examples from Australia’s Progressive Past

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic the Commons is sharing protests, campaigns and events from the past which highlight ways we can undertake action whilst maintaining safe health practices and physical distance.

A poster with an illustration of two people underneath the word Solidarity. One holds an Aboriginal flag and one a Palestinian flag.|A sticker with Pride and Trans colours and an Antifa flag which reads Anti-Fascism is Community Self-Defence.

Items of Mass Instruction: Posters, Stickers, Memes and More

Creative tactics for social change: Different ways of spreading messages and information in a creative way… memes, posters, postcards, stencils, etc.

Extinction Rebellion members in disco outfits dance outside of the Victorian Parliament.|Two women wearing 1950s style clothes and pearl jewellery have faces painted black like they have used coal as make-up.||Ride Against Uranium poster.|Cyclists at a critical mass event hold their bicycles above their heads.|People dressed in costumes with a placard reading 'Libs 4 Famine

Pranks, Performances and Protestivals: Public Events

Creative tactics for social change: A number of examples of fun, empowering and engaging actions incorporating a creative approach.

Large group blocking intersection near Federation Square and Flinders Street Station in Melbourne.

Media Checklist for Actions

A thorough checklist to help you prepare for traditional and social media in the lead up to an action, including some considerations for non-violent direct actions.

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