Our pillars

Impact storytelling uses stories to create social change. To shift how people understand the world. To change what futures feel possible.

Humans make sense of reality through stories. They shape what feels normal, inevitable or desirable. Film, TV, theatre, journalism, games, literature and audio are known for their power. They can influence public attitudes and put pressure on those in power. From homelessness and racial justice to public health and war.

Impact storytelling names the growing field of those working in this space. Artists,  campaigners, researchers, strategists, funders and organisers all working together with this aim. Some call it narrative change, some call it impact storytelling. The ecosystem is young but becoming increasingly organised.

Within this context, the AKO Storytelling Institute is developing pillars for impact storytellers. These are evolving as the institute develops but currently we have identified four:

Impact storytellers have power. And it helps if they understand the change that happens through their work. Personally, culturally and structurally. Long lasting change doesn't happen through one one, heroic piece. But its still worth being strategic. Identifying the impact goals for your work. Mapping out the ecosystem so you can see who you support and who you can collaborate with. All this helps to understand your place in the bigger picture of change.

Narratives are the wider ideas that sit in society. They arise from an accumulation of stories across disciplines. From films, TV, news, political speeches, social posts, memes, everyday conversations. We explore how narrative literacy can help storytellers consciously inform their work. We work across topics from wealth Inequality to AI. We explore what counternarratives are possible. Whether in factual and fictional content.

Flinging your work into the world without a plan misses potential impact. Amplification campaigns aren't marketing. They are a plan with the social impact in mind. They're not aiming for reach. They're aiming to amplify change. In the documentary world they call them impact campaigns. At the institute we explore how the practice can work across disciplines.

We support storytellers to hone their craft. Because impact depends on strong storytelling. We help creatives explore the story they want to tell. We help them find the inner core of their piece. And push storytelling form forward to see how we can innovate, connect and surprise.

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Our work

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