Nadya Tolokonnikova is a conceptual artist and political activist from Russia. She is a founding member of the art collective Pussy Riot, focusing attention on feminism, LGBT rights and human rights violations at home and abroad. In August 2012, she was sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment following an anti-Putin performance by Pussy Riot in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. This protest attracted international media attention and support from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Sir Paul McCartney, Madonna, Bjork and Aung San Suu Kyi. Shortly after her release in December 2013, she announced the opening of an independent news service and media outlet, MediaZona which reports on the Russia’s courts, law enforcement and prison system. She has spoken before the US Congress, British Parliament, European Parliament and has appeared on stage with world leaders including Bill Clinton.

Nadya is a Lennon Ono Grant for Peace recipient, has appeared as herself with President Frank Underwood on season 3 of House of Cards and performed the Pussy Riot song “Refugees In” as part of Banksy’s Dismaland exhibition.

Most recently, Nadya has produced and starred in 3 new Pussy Riot music videos – “Police State,” “Straight Outta Vagina”, and “Make America Great Again”, which portrayed the future of the USA under President Trump.