A picture speaks a thousand words

Visual storytelling can bring social justice principles into sharper focus, inviting fresh perspectives on familiar narratives. Leveraging the power of imagery, the International Training Center of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO) is using art to amplify the conversation around social justice.

Since joining forces four years ago, the ITCILO and Posterheroes have created a global platform dedicated to raising awareness and promoting change on today’s most pressing social issues.

Posterheroes, an international competition, that every year merges visual art with social commentary, inviting designers, illustrators, and creatives—both professionals and students—to reflect on social and environmental issues. Each year, participants craft impactful posters (70x100 cm) that communicate their vision and ideas. The top 40 designs are showcased in exhibitions and integrated into publications, workshops, and capacity-building field events, moving beyond traditional displays and reaching diverse audiences.

The ITCILO plays a key role in shaping the thematic briefs that define the competition every year, ensuring it stays at the forefront of global social justice initiatives. Past editions have explored a range of complex topics, including workers’ rights, digital inclusion, disability, and the concept of slow learning.

The 12th edition of Posterheroes, titled “Beautifully Diverse – redefining disability,” marks an important milestone for the initiative. It has transcended its creative roots to reach international leaders and policymakers directly. In September, the exhibition travelled to the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the Summit of the Future and in October reached the International Labour Organization Headquarters in Geneva. There, it captivated the ILO Governing Body during its 352nd Session, underscoring the growing influence of art as a catalyst for social change.

The “Beautifully Diverse” brief prompts artists and audiences to reimagine the concept of normality, celebrating diversity as a cornerstone of resilience and progress. Centered on disability, the exhibition highlights the inherent value, dignity, and unique contributions of every individual. It serves as a call to action for building inclusive communities and workplaces that respect and empower people with disabilities. This vision aligns with the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy and the ILO’s mission to advance social justice and decent work for all.

The 13th edition of Posterheroes, titled “Making Mistakes,” embraces the essential role of failure in personal and professional growth, reframing it as an opportunity for learning under the acronym FAIL – “first attempt in learning.” The exhibition will debut at the ITCILO in Turin in January 2025 as part of the ILO’s Innovation Sparks programme, challenging traditional notions of success and fostering a culture of experimentation and learning.

Through these compelling visual narratives, the ITCILO continues to inspire, engage, and drive global conversations on social justice, reaffirming the transformative power of art as a vehicle for meaningful change.

Posterheroes is a project by Cultural Association Plug, paper-mill Favini, the International Training Center of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO) and Fondazione Time2, with the contribution of the Turin Chamber of Commerce.