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English CIVICUS speaks to Daria Cybulska about her 2024 Churchill Fellowship field research in Central Asia, where she explored how civil society uses art, creativity and informal organising to survive, self-organise and push for change under increasing repression. Daria is Director of Programmes and Evaluation at Wikimedia UK, where she leads work on information literacy and knowledge equity in support of democratic participation. She’s also a trustee at Global Dialogue.
When civic space is severely restricted, art often becomes a vital tool for activism and resistance. In Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, creative practices help people organise, support each other and challenge dominant narratives. Daria’s research shows how art nurtures critical thinking, creates much-needed spaces for connection and wellbeing and generates alternative stories that counter fear and stigma. Drawing on the experiences of artists, community groups and organisers, the study highlights the everyday strategies that help them navigate tightening restrictions while keeping their work alive.
