The Red Sand Project

National / Global | Art & Activism Initiative | Human Trafficking Awareness, Civic Art, Public Engagement

Mission:

The Red Sand Project uses participatory public art to raise awareness of human trafficking, modern slavery, and exploitation. It invites individuals to fill sidewalk cracks with red sand—symbolizing those who fall through the cracks of society—to spark conversation and engagement around this hidden crisis.

Why It Matters

The Red Sand Project transforms passive awareness into active visibility. It invites ordinary people into a creative act of witness and solidarity, building collective awareness and deeper public understanding of systemic injustice—particularly the invisibility of trafficking victims.

Relevant to The Change Lab

Red Sand Project exemplifies how creativity can expand civic engagement, bridge social awareness and action, and build belonging through public ritual. It models how simple, collective acts of care can catalyze deeper conversations about dignity, justice, and who we include in our circle of concern—core principles of The Change Lab’s mission.

Key Focus Areas

Participatory Art Installations

Encourages individuals, schools, communities, and institutions to use red sand in sidewalk cracks as a symbolic gesture to prompt reflection and dialogue. 🔗 Get the Toolkit

Public Awareness & Education

Provides educational resources on trafficking, exploitation, and systemic vulnerability for use in classrooms, organizations, and public settings. 🔗 Learn More

Global Visibility

Invites participants to share images of their installations using the #RedSandProject hashtag, creating a global wave of awareness. 🔗 View Gallery