How much electricity are you consuming right now? For most of us, access to electricity is something so woven into our daily lives that we tend to take it for granted. Whether it's keeping medical equipment cool, ensuring clean water, or making late-night studying possible, electricity is crucial to human possibility. Yet as you read this text, nearly 750 million people worldwide are living without this foundation of modern life.

In celebration of the International Day of Light on May 16th, Creative Visions invites you to join in the recognition of light as the force that turns potential into progress. Take a moment to pause, disconnect, and create a piece of art that reflects on what electricity makes possible, and who is left behind without access to its benefits.

Step 1: Power Off

For 10 minutes, put your electronic devices in another room, or power them down. Turn off any lights and any other electronics. (Please don’t alter any air conditioning or heating, or disrupt others!) During this time, be aware of your surroundings in whatever natural light you are in: sunlight, moonlight, or the glow from another room.

How did you feel without 10 minutes of electricity? What was the most uncomfortable part of spending time without electricity? Did anything feel calm? What do you think would be your greatest difficulty if you lived in an area without electricity? Which electrical item do you take for granted the most?

Using only natural light & non-digital materials you already own (pencil, pen, paint, collage, etc.) represent your thoughts and emotions during your ten minutes without artificial light. Perhaps you reflected on your appreciation for the access to light, or perhaps the stillness allowed something else to emerge! The type of art you create is up to you - write a poem, draw a picture, or create a collage of already-printed photos… anything that does not require electricity!

Share a photo of your completed creative piece and reflection by submitting to InnerView and to the Creative Changemakers portal here. (Yes, you must use electricity for this part!)