Alarming changes in nature and our environment are all around us: biodiversity is disappearing; air and water sources are increasingly polluted; sea levels are rising; and extreme weather phenomena are escalating. These environmental changes undermine and hamper action towards reducing inequalities and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. While causes and consequences of environmental change and the climate crisis are being debated by politicians, scientists, and the broader public, the most affected people are often those least heard.
Now, more than ever, we need the arts and culture to help us respond; to inspire and motivate us by challenging our perceptions, encouraging communal action today by introducing intersectional and trans-disciplinary perspectives, motivating synergistic and effective participation, and centering indigenous forms of knowledge and ways of living to envision alternative models of climate justice in the world.
Cultural & Artistic Responses to Environmental Change is a year-long interdisciplinary programme that is aimed at accelerating engaged community-based cultural practices at the intersection of arts and the environment, initiating an international network of creatives, and fostering leadership. Through this programme we create a platform to explore critical artistic practices, stimulate joint learning, connect engaged practitioners across the world, stimulate cross-disciplinary exchange, and amplify new perspectives on environmental change.
The mentorship brings together 12 emerging artists and cultural practitioners (± 8-15 years of relevant professional experience) with 4 mentors, all working across a range of disciplines and environmental issues. Throughout 2023, these 12 individuals will each work on a body of work, form a peer-group, receive guidance, exchange ideas, and jointly delve deeper into their practices. The 4 mentors, all experts on the intersection of arts and the environment, guide the participants throughout the programme.
The programme consists of two Labs (in person week-long mentoring intensives), as well as online masterclasses and peer-group sessions. Each participant receives an award of €10,000 to work on the concept for a body of work that they outline in their application.
Applicants must be individuals living and working in one of Prince Claus Fund’s working countries.
