Public art tour responds to climate crisis

The important role the arts can play in facilitating discussion about current issues has brought together a group of artists to respond to climate change.

Everyday Adaptations is a community engaged arts project run by Wesley Arts this year that has provided an opportunity for people who are not usually a part of conversations about their environment – locally and globally - to have their say, and act in a creative way that deepens bonds across diverse groups.

Through a series of community workshops, 2D public art making/mural making, a gallery exhibition, and public performance, vulnerable and marginalised people who spend time in the northern end of Fortitude Valley have artistically addressed the climate crisis.

Art from the Margins Gallery Officer Lauren Spriggs said the workshop provided participants with the chance to connect and share ideas which developed into artistic responses to the climate crisis.

Many of our participants live on the fringes of society and lack the usual outlets to have their voices heard so this project provided safe space for them to express themselves.

The workshops have culminated in a mural of tiled artworks being installed at three locations across Brisbane. These displays will be part of a public art tour held to celebrate the works created during this program.

Guided by artists and speakers, viewers will engage with the public artworks made in response to discussions of climate crisis, environment and adaptation, and enjoy place-based performances along the tour.

Our hope is that the art works spark further discussion around the climate crisis. The arts are a great way of holding up a mirror to ourselves and reflecting the times we live in.

This free guided event will begin at Art From The Margins, 136 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley from 1 - 2pm on Saturday 2 December. Registrations are essential via Eventbrite.

Artwork by Hayley Marrs
This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.