The Climate Crisis is a cultural crisis, and arts and culture have a big role to play in leading change. This upcoming creative symposium in London brings a programme full of workshops, discussions, presentations and activities to support transforming your creative practice into climate justice action.

WHAT?

A five day programme of creative activity and inspiration. Come for a day or the week!

Each day will start with some creative practice to inform wider conversations in the afternoon (see rhythm of each day through the ticket link!)

WHY?

As you may know the planet and climate are in accelerating crises with natural disasters, social instability and warming temperatures that are endangering many species, including humans. The Climate Crisis is a cultural crisis as we grapple with unsustainable lifestyles, systems and aspirations. Arts and culture have a big role to play in leading change.

The live performing arts sector in particular has vital low carbon skills, practices and processes to help connect people to the world around us, building imagination and empathy beyond the current destructive paradigm towards transition, regenerative practices and a livable future.

WHEN?

Monday 1st – Friday 5th July 2024

9am – 5.30pm

WHERE?

Bathway Theatre, University of Greenwich

Greenwich Town Hall, Bathway, London SE18 6QX, UK

WHO?

From Creative Practice to Climate Justice Action is for artists, cultural workers, academics, environmental activists, community members, funders, climate scientists and policy makers interested in exploring the role of the live arts in responding to the Climate and Ecological Emergency, through transformation and transition, with social justice at the heart.

Led by Independent producer Pippa Bailey, a British Australian artist and cultural worker, and co-ordinator of CDE’s Australian hub with Cultural Gardeners. Pippa is travelling overland and sea to the UK as much as possible to get to this event, an experiment in adaptation, disaster preparedness and rehearsing different futures. 

She is joined by First Nations artist and plant specialist Henrietta Baird, a proud Kuku Yalanji woman from Far North Queensland and Gabrielle Moleta, whose UK company leads Transformation work. This involves the actor in detailed, specific observation of animals and birds.  They are joined and supported by Professor Jorge Lopes Ramos, co-founder and Executive Director of ZU-UK and Professor of Interactive Theatre and Performance at the University of Greenwich. 

It is important to note that independent artists and cultural workers are vital to adaptation and transition at this time of great social upheaval because they are agile risk takers, able to see across systems and move more quickly than most organisations and institutions. Hosting this event is an act of radical creative opportunity.

Featuring an extraordinary collection of expert practitioners,  Over a week we will mindfully build connection between embodied practices, systemic challenges and volatile contexts. 

HOW MUCH?

This event is led by independents with very limited funding. We are exploring what we value as individuals, as societies, as a species. There are many ways to engage.

Priced to be accessible, and led by unsalaried artists, we are asking people to think about the value of this exploration as well as what they can afford. Prices are low for freelancers and unwaged participants, we are asking people in salaried roles to pay a bit more. 

There is some flexibility and we ask you to tell us why you have chosen each price. There are limited free spaces for local artists and the opportunity to barter for a place. We are also looking for volunteers.

Traditional ideas of success, worth and value are all on the line as we play for a regenerative future. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to discuss options.

We are excited to be supporting this event alongside Cultural Gardeners, and the SHIFT and Sustainability Unit at the University of Greenwhich

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