Environmental Issues

Nomads Occupy the Global Village: Left Political Art Timeline, 2001-2012

This post comes to you from Cultura21

For the last decades, collaborations between art and ecology have become more popular as an option to try solving environmental issues, as well as a way of social intervention. You can take a look at the work of several environmental artists in this article by G. Roger Denson, cultural critic and essayist, published by the Huffington Post, which discusses political artists of the last decade:

Click here to read the full article.

 

Cultura21 is a transversal, translocal network, constituted of an international level grounded in several Cultura21 organizations around the world.

Cultura21′s international network, launched in April 2007, offers the online and offline platform for exchanges and mutual learning among its members.

The activities of Cultura21 at the international level are coordinated by a team representing the different Cultura21 organizations worldwide, and currently constituted of:

– Sacha Kagan (based in Lüneburg, Germany) and Rana Öztürk (based in Berlin, Germany)
– Oleg Koefoed and Kajsa Paludan (both based in Copenhagen, Denmark)
– Hans Dieleman (based in Mexico-City, Mexico)
– Francesca Cozzolino and David Knaute (both based in Paris, France)

Cultura21 is not only an informal network. Its strength and vitality relies upon the activities of several organizations around the world which are sharing the vision and mission of Cultura21

Go to Cultura21

Tom Toles wedding cartoon

Copyright (c) The Washington Post

This post comes to you from Ashden Directory Kellie Gutman writes: Pulitzer-Prize-winning Washington Post cartoonist Tom Toles‘ latest cartoon on climate change. Toles has been nominated three times for the Pulitzer Prize in Editorial Cartooning, winning in 1990.  He replaced the legendary cartoonist Herblock at the Washington Postin 2002. Toles’ cartoons are syndicated in over 200 newspapers.  He is known for tackling complicated subjects such as environmental issues.  He often includes a small doodle, a caricature of himself, in the corner.

“ashdenizen blog and twitter are consistently among the best sources for information and reflection on developments in the field of arts and climate change in the UK” (2020 Network) ashdenizen is edited by Robert Butler, and is the blog associated with the Ashden Directory, a website focusing on environment and performance. The Ashden Directory is edited by Robert Butler and Wallace Heim, with associate editor Kellie Gutman. The Directory includes features, interviews, news, a timeline and a database of ecologically – themed productions since 1893 in the United Kingdom. Our own projects include ‘New Metaphors for Sustainability’, ‘Flowers Onstage’ and ‘Six ways to look at climate change and theatre’. The Directory has been live since 2000. Go to The Ashden Directory

Environmental Film Festival Melbourne Accepting Submissions

The Environmental Film Festival Melbourne began in 2010 with a vision to inform and inspire people in relation to environmental issues. We hope you will see the films on offer here and then choose to be part of the solution to the problems they discuss.

Prepare to be confronted, prepare to have to think, but most importantly of all, prepare to take action. These films present serious problems, but often provide simple answers. Sometimes all it takes is a change in mind-set and some political will, and if we can help generate that then our work here is done.

They’re currently accepting film submissions for EFFM 2012. If you’ve got a film to submit, download the submission form using the link below. Good luck!

Word

EFFM_Submission_2012.doc (149 kb)<

For a listing of the films that they’ve screened previously, check out their archive page.

 

ASEF Report now available: “Linking the Arts to Environment and Sustainable Development Issues”

This post comes to you from Cultura21

In 2010, ASEF commissioned research to investigate good practices connecting the arts to initiatives tackling environmental sustainability issues in a number of Asian countries. Titled Linking the Arts to Environment and Sustainable Development Issues,  the research project aimed to carefully document case studies that can not only provide inspiration for networking and collaboration between Asia and Europe in this area but also aid policy making and planning.

The researchers examined initiatives by the cultural sector as well as by civil society organisations working on environmental issues in nine Asian countries: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Mongolia.

Direct link to the final report (PDF file): Click here

Read more on the ASEF (Asia Europe Foundation)  website: click here

Cultura21 is a transversal, translocal network, constituted of an international level grounded in several Cultura21 organizations around the world.

Cultura21′s international network, launched in April 2007, offers the online and offline platform for exchanges and mutual learning among its members.

The activities of Cultura21 at the international level are coordinated by a team representing the different Cultura21 organizations worldwide, and currently constituted of:

– Sacha Kagan (based in Lüneburg, Germany) and Rana Öztürk (based in Berlin, Germany)
– Oleg Koefoed and Kajsa Paludan (both based in Copenhagen, Denmark)
– Hans Dieleman (based in Mexico-City, Mexico)
– Francesca Cozzolino and David Knaute (both based in Paris, France)

Cultura21 is not only an informal network. Its strength and vitality relies upon the activities of several organizations around the world which are sharing the vision and mission of Cultura21

Go to Cultura21

MELD vs Radical Space

This post comes to you from EcoArtScotland

MELD is a new initiative based in Greece which understands the arts to be part of the means to address Climate Change because the arts can be a collaborative catalyst as well as a catalyst of social change, a catalyst for economic growth and also a marketing tool.

On the other hand you might also be interested in Brett Bloom’s (of Temporary Services) article Radical Space for Art in a Time of Forced Privatization and Market Dominance which focuses on how not to be part of the ‘art world,’ but to find new means now, resisting the corporatisation of art.

These two are perhaps at opposite extremes of the range of practices addressing socio-economic environmental issues.  Didn’t Einstein say “We can’t solve the problems using the same thinking we used when we created them.”

ecoartscotland is a resource focused on art and ecology for artists, curators, critics, commissioners as well as scientists and policy makers. It includes ecoartscotland papers, a mix of discussions of works by artists and critical theoretical texts, and serves as a curatorial platform.

It has been established by Chris Fremantle, producer and research associate with On The Edge Research, Gray’s School of Art, The Robert Gordon University. Fremantle is a member of a number of international networks of artists, curators and others focused on art and ecology.

Go to EcoArtScotland

Free Convergence Session TOMORROW Sunday 9/5/10 at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf

This year, we’re taking the convergence to the road.  We’ll be converging in two cities, and in between, on an all-inclusive weekend getaway!  Exploring human impact on the Earth, and Art’s impact on human impact, we’ll discuss environmental justice, urban nature, and what it means to be an artist who brings environmental issues to the public.

MISS THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE?

Join us for our Sunday afternoon session in San Francisco, featuring Amy Balkin, Patricia Watts, Laura Parker, and Nik Bertulis.  Curated by Moe Beitiks.  You can also check out our “a la carte” events.  Book your own ticket and meet us there!

Held at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf:

555 North Point Street

San Francisco, California 94133

Sunday, September 5th.  1pm-5pm.

Seating is limited.  Reserve your space at

http://cspaconvergence.eventbrite.com/

AGENDA

Saturday, September 4 LOS ANGELES  TO SAN FRANCISCO

  • 10am Depart Los Angeles.  Carpool/Caravan will feature the Invisible 5 Audio Tour and select stops.
  • 5pm Arrive San Francisco
  • 6pm Dinner Break
  • 7pm Shotgun Players: Solar Powered Theater Discussion
  • 8pm Performance: Living Together at Shotgun Players

Sunday September 5 SAN FRANCISCO

  • 8am Nature Tour
  • 12pm Lunch Break
  • 1pm Afternoon Sessions featuring Patricia Watts/EcoArtSpace, Amy Balkin, Laura Parker, and Nik Bertulis.  Curated by Moe Beitiks
  • 6pm Art Walk & Dinner

Monday, September 6 SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES

  • 8am Depart for guided highway tour down the 101.  We’ll be following the Urban Ranger’s Field Guide to the American Road Trip.
  • 6pm Arrive Los Angeles

9Thirty Theatre Gulf Spill Benefit

Reprinted from Ecorazzi: “NYC Eco Theater Company Holds Benefit to Raise Money For Gulf Coast Animals” by Michael Parrish DuDell, July 19, 2010

Here in New York City we have commercial theater, experimental theater, really bad theater…but who knew we also have green theater, too!?

9Thirty Theatre Company is one of New York City’s first eco theater companies, and we happen to think they’re pretty darn neat. By having the environment serve as a character, theme, or the plot of their shows, 9Thirty seeks to raise awareness and take action on pressing environmental issues.

On Sunday, July 25, the theater company with a heart of gold will present THE BIRDS” TO SAVE BIRDS — a benefit reading of “The Brown Pelican” by George Sklar. The event will raise money for both 9Thirty and Tri-State Birds – a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and rehabilitating birds in the Gulf of Mexico.

“After the oil spill I found myself feeling helpless about what I could do to make a difference,” says artistic director Jeff Burroughs. “As of June 1st 658 birds, 279 turtles, and 36 mammals have been found dead. So I created an avenue to DO something! I contacted Tri-State Bird Rescue to put together a benefit.”

Besides the reading, the benefit will also feature organic food and drinks, a good old fashion raffle, and coupons for special discounts on future productions.

Sound super cool? Stop by 9TTC.org to get more information and purchase your tickets!

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Go to the Green Theater Initiative

RSA Arts & Ecology – MA in Art & Environment: 2010

University College Falmouth
MA Art & Environment: 2010

For centuries artists have interpreted and represented the natural environment. It has provided materials and subject matter, as well as inspiration and knowledge. In recent times – particularly since the growth of the environmental movement – there has been a dramatic change in our understanding of the many ways our society impacts upon the Earth. This awareness has galvanised around the fact that the relationship between humanity and our life-giving planet is in a critical state.

This change in knowledge has been reflected in contemporary art practice. MA Art & Environment, at University College Falmouth, encourages a focused engagement with ecological and environmental issues. Designed to give students the skills, expertise and confidence to operate as a professional artist in this critical area of practice, the course will also enable them to develop strategies and practices that use art as a cultural agent – as a tool for knowledge, understanding and change.

Students on the course have opportunities to benefit from the Universtity’s relationship with Cape Farewell, The Eden Project and University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute.

For further information please
contact Dr Daro Montag
daro.montag[@]falmouth.ac.uk
+44 (0)1326 211077

Theatres Trust announces ECOVENUE project

Theatres Trust announced a new three-year programme, called ECOVENUE, to provide environmental advice and assessments to 48 small scale theatres in London. The announcement was made on 14 September, the first anniversary of the Mayor of London’s Green Theatre Initiative.

The programme will be funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and will receive £450,000 over three years.

After the Mayor’s Theatre Plan was announced last year, many large-scale theatres signed up to reduce their carbon emissions by 65% by 2025, but the smaller theatres did not have the budget to participate. With this grant, smaller venues will be able to apply for help to address environmental issues associated with climate change, and to reduce their energy use and to achieve Display Energy Certificates (DECs).

The Trust will be inviting theatres to apply, and details will be advertised in the coming months.

For more information, contact Suzanne McDougall
suzanne.mcdougall@theatrestrust.org.uk