Artists deal in uncertainty on a regular basis. The process of art making requires conjuring something new that was not there before, which involves risk of a highly personal nature.  Whether endeavouring to provoke or to enlighten, to challenge or to fascinate, artists navigate the uncertainty of public reaction and participation as a fundamental requirement of their craft.  Artists also bring new and unique approaches to navigating uncertainty in the realm of socio-political issues and global challenges. When included as stakeholders and serious participants in solving the world’s wicked problems, artists bring empathy, creativity and a unique sort of innovation to changing the world. This panel explores the role of the arts and artists in sparking social change and taking on critical global issues.