Ally Zlatar

Ally Zlatar is an accomplished artist, scholar, and activist based in Belgium who leverages creative expression as a catalyst for advocacy and systemic change. As the founder of The Starving Artist, she leads an initiative dedicated to elevating creative voices and using art as a tool for social reform. Ally is also the visionary behind The Starving Artist Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support for individuals seeking inpatient mental health treatment, further emphasising her dedication to social justice and mental health advocacy. Her renowned campaign, “This Body of Mine,” explores migrant experiences through creative expression and has empowered individuals and artists from refugee and migrant backgrounds on a global scale.

Throughout her career, Ally Zlatar has received significant recognition for her humanitarian impact. Her accolades include the Commonwealth Innovation Awards (2023), selection as one of UNWomen’s 30 for 2030 (2024), the Princess Diana Legacy Award (2021), the King Hamad Award for Youth Empowerment (2022), the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award from the Government of Ontario, Canada (2023), and special recognition from the British Citizen Award (2022). Ally’s work reflects her commitment to amplifying marginalised voices and driving change through both creative and academic avenues. As a Youth Advisory Board member, she brings her passion for advocacy, her deep understanding of intersectional issues, and her international perspective, contributing to the inclusive vision of the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective.