Artivism and Storytelling: The Museum of the Social Revolt in Santiago, Chile

ABSTRACT

The Museum of the Social Revolt (MES) in Chile exemplifies a unique intersection of artivism and storytelling, arising spontaneously in response to the 2019 Social Revolt. Derived from a 4‐month fieldwork in this space, this paper explores the museum's decentralized, community‐based curatorial model, where the museum serves as the storyteller, weaving collective memories together. By engaging visitors in a multi‐sensory experience—through visual art, sound, and tactile elements—the museum recreates the emotional intensity of the protests. This aligns with Walter Benjamin's idea of storytelling as a process that transmits collective experiences rather than presenting isolated narratives. The museum also represents an alternative museum model that rejects the commodification of art, emphasizing a participatory and process‐based practice. Ultimately, MES is a critical case study of how museums can contribute to socio‐political change through immersive, community‐driven experiences.