Top 10 Culture for Impact 2023

As we reflect on the year, we are excited to unveil the 10 most inspiring examples of popular culture for impact that have left a mark in our hearts and minds in 2023.

Backed by science, we know that popular culture can help shape norms, behaviours and opinions. Popular culture is a powerful - yet untapped - way to meet people in their everyday lives. It exposes us to fresh perspectives, and makes us relate to global challenges in a different light.

With the UN Live Culture for Impact List 2023, we spotlight some of the most inspiring and impactful initiatives and work that we have encountered in 2023 through our cultural programmes, partnerships and co-creations across the world, linking arts and culture with positive change. You can see the selection criteria further down.

Reshaping Global Afrobeats Narratives with Over a Billion Streams

Nigeria

With over a billion streams, Mr Eazi's Afrobeats music is helping reshape global narratives and how the world views Africa. Through his unique 'Banku' style—blending hip-hop, Ghanaian high-life, and dance-pop—he not only crafts infectious beats but also contributes significantly to altering perceptions of the continent. Named after the Ghanaian dish, Mr Eazi's music serves as a powerful catalyst, playing a pivotal role in the global impact and recognition of Afrobeats.

Learn more here.

Looking to Jameel Arts & Health Lab to measure the Impact of the Arts on Health

Romania, Denmark and Italy

Postnatal depression affects many women globally. Backed by clinical research, a 10-week singing program reduced PPD symptoms by 38%, especially for those with moderate to severe symptoms. The Music and Motherhood project, a collaboration between WHO and Centre for Performance Science, focuses on supporting new mothers worldwide.

The Jameel Arts & Health Lab was co-founded earlier this year by the World Health Organization, the NYU Steinhardt, Community Jameel and CULTURUNNERS. Alongside other health and culture programs, the "Music & Motherhood" initiative is a significant component led by Nils Fietje, one of the lab co-directors. Congratulations to him for his specific leadership in this vital project!

Learn more here.

Striking a Pose for Mother Earth

The United States

Photo: Quannah Chasinghorse, photo by Jenny Irene Miller

Quannah Chasinghorse's dual role as a model and activist, spotlighted in the documentary "Walking Two Worlds," by the North Face positively enhances environmental awareness through her platform and simultaneously provides essential representation for Indigenous communities. Her impactful presence influences climate action and she challenges the fashion industry, emphasising the connection between environmentalism, Indigenous rights, and the need for diverse voices in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.

Learn more here.

Showcasing the Impact of Collective Fan Actions for a Greener Tomorrow

The United Kingdom

Green Football Weekend reached 30 million fans, actively engaging 39 000 online, and resulted in 63,370 climate actions and pledges. The innovative tournament model and the campaign highlighted fan support for sustainable football and showcased the sport's influence in shaping attitudes toward climate change. It provided fans a unique opportunity to comprehend climate change's impact, take concrete actions, and encourage their clubs to enhance football's role in curbing the climate crisis.

Explore their website, or learn more here.

Empowering Players to Shape Narratives Through Immersive Exploration

Canada

Step into Seasons – A Letter to the Future, a transformative game where players wield the power to shape our shared reality through impactful storytelling. Inspired by cultural connections and shared anxieties, the game places participants as patient observers, emphasizing collaboration that influence and redefine our world. We are excited to see how this game departs from conventional narratives, and instead highlights the profound impact of collaboration and collective learning, discovery, and shared participation in crafting a new and meaningful narrative for our changing world.

Explore their website here.

Breaking Gender Norms and Sparking Conversations on Identity and Representation

The United States

Photo: Warner Bros. Picture - © 2023 - Warner Bros

The Barbie movie released in 2023 became the world's highest-grossing film this year within just a few months of its theatrical release. It elevated discussions about gender, misogyny, masculinity, beauty standards, and LGBTQI+ representation to a new level in public discourse. This highlights the impactful role mainstream culture can play in shaping societal norms.

Explore the website here.

Unveiling the King and Queen in every Pawn

Lagos, Nigeria

Photo: Chess In Slums Africa (CISA) website

At Chess in Slums (CISA), Africa, they firmly believe that chess is more than just a set of moves on a board; it's a powerful tool for transformation. CISA reimagines education by utilising chess as a tool and framework to enhance cognition and cultivate the minds of children. They currently operate in multiple communities in Nigeria and Burkina Faso. With over 1,000 enrolled children, 500 reaching the intermediate level, and students securing over $400,000 in 200 academic scholarships, this initiative holds great potential.

Explore their website, or learn more here.

Impact Beyond Cricket: A Catalyst for Change

India

Historically, societal norms have significantly shaped the roles assigned to men and women. However, rapid and profound changes are occurring, challenging harmful and outdated gender expectations and stereotypes. Sports, exemplified by Indian women cricketers and the Women's Premier League (WPL), are playing a crucial role in this transformative movement, reshaping the entire narrative of the sport and sparking a global shift.

Learn more here.

Empowering BIPOC in Global Fashion, Uniting Diverse Audiences

Germany

Photo: Fashion Africa Now, photo by Thandiwe Muriu

In 2023, Fashion Africa Now boldly addressed challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the global fashion scene. Serving as a visual haven for the evolving African fashion movement, the platform consistently championed Afrocentric and Afrodiasporic artistic perspectives. It connected creatives of African origin, celebrated identity, addressed socio-political issues, and broadened the European perspective with new narratives and images. Fashion Africa Now fostered dialogue between creative industries, culture, education, and politics, supporting BIPOC creatives by amplifying visibility and creating access to a diverse fashion world through cultural appreciation.

Explore their website here.

The photography is by Thandiwe muriu, who takes us on a colourful, reflective journey through her world as a woman living in modern Kenya, as she reinterprets contemporary African portraiture, and presents a bold new vision of a woman and her autonomy.

Moving perceptions focusing on environmental and human rights issues

Brazil

Photo: Emerson Uýra, Photo by Selma Mai.

Emerson Uýra, an Indigenous artist, scientist, and educator from the Amazon, challenges colonial narratives through his drag persona, Uýra Sodoma. Blurring human, animal, and plant boundaries, they captivate audiences, challenging perspectives on wilderness, gender, and environmental issues. As a biologist with a master's degree in ecology, Uýra advocates for diversity, rights, and racial justice. By embodying the snake Boiuna in a polluted stream in Manaus, Uýra sparked public awareness, drawing significant attention and prompting discussions about environmental issues in the Amazon, all with purpose and impact.

Learn more here.

Selection criteria

The selection criteria prioritize innovative cultural initiatives addressing societal challenges and fostering change:

Culture Innovation: Initiatives that demonstrate a pioneering or significant application of popular culture to address societal challenges or promote positive change.
Genre Diversity: Inclusivity across a spectrum of cultural genres, showcasing a diverse range of creative expressions and innovative approaches.
Topic Versatility: Recognition of initiatives that address a wide array of topics and issues, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of cultural genres.
Global Inclusivity: Emphasis on initiatives that contribute to cultural impact on a global scale, promoting inclusivity and representation from various regions around the world.
Dual Impact Approach: Acknowledgment of initiatives that have achieved significant reach while also recognizing the nuanced impact of smaller-scale efforts that contribute profoundly to cultural change.