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Topics: Cultural rights

Exhibitions

Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change

February to September 2024

Music can be a powerful force for social and political change. Explore stories of artists who have used their voices and platforms to advance causes and advocate for change.

A digital illustration showing a crowd clapping and raising their hands. The background shows a pixelated green soundwave shape and blue and black graffiti-like designs with neon-coloured diagonal lines radiating out from the center.

Stories

Beyond the Beats and Rhymes Is Life

By Mark V. Campbell (DJ Grumps)

For decades, hip hop has spoken truth to power. Its lyrics, rhythms, dance and art express youth culture, challenge inequality, and resonate around the world.

A woman in a grey jacket and darker grey pants is breakdancing on a sidewalk during daytime. Trees and buildings are in the background.

The Amchitka Campaign

By Barbara Stowe

Music played a key role in the founding of Greenpeace. Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and others played a benefit concert to raise money for its momentous first mission.

A boat in the water with mountains and clouds in the background. Its sail is decorated with large peace signs.

Language rights are human rights

By Rémi Courcelles

Exploring Canada’s official languages framework.

A stop sign and street sign in both English and French are seen in front of trees.

Bringing the potlatch home

By Matthew McRae

A black and white image of an elderly woman with white hair holding a mask that is shaped and painted to represent a bird’s head. It features a long beak with an open mouth and feathers attached to the top of the head. The woman is looking directly at the mask she is holding.

Resource guides

Music and human rights

Learn more about the connection between music, activism, protest and human rights issues

An antique chrome-plated microphone in the centre of the image is encircled by multicoloured rays over a mottled blue and green background.