The Big Issue Changemakers

Cass alumnus included in magazine's list of 100 people expected to make a difference in 2019

Date: 17 January 2019

David John Tovey, an alumnus of Foundation Art and Design at The Cass has been included in a list of 100 notable changemakers The Big Issue believe will help change things for the better in 2019.

The list which appears in the latest edition of the magazine includes campaigners and campaigns, people working in tech and in business, in music and the arts, in literacy, sport and in charities and social policy. Their criteria for inclusion were simple; ‘this is about investment in a better future for all’

David John Tovey is a formerly homeless artist, educator and activist who works in a range of media. He is a photographer, painter as well as an installation artist and performance-maker. At the heart of David's practice is a very special quality - the ability to present audiences with a  subject in ways both beautiful and hard-hitting in equal measure in order to raise awareness about the social issues he tackles. He has exhibited internationally in locations such as the Atsa Festival Montreal, Somerset House, Tate Modern and Tate Liverpool. He received widespread media attention in December 2018 when Man On Bench Fairytale, an immersive opera based on his life was staged at the One Festival of Homeless arts in Manchester 

Talking about his inclusion in the list, David said, "As we sail into increasingly uncertain Brexit waters, as cuts continue to decimate local services, as it’s clear central government will not save us, so the brave and righteous changemakers will be torch-bearers to light the way. My work is about raising awareness of social issues that I have had to deal with in my life. I never thought it would make such an impact on other peoples lives. I’m so grateful for this acknowledgement of my work within the homeless arts.”

You can read about the changemakers here and better still see the full list by buying a copy of The Big Issue this week.

big issue magazine cover

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