OUR STORIES; HOW ARTISTS ARE TELLING STORIES OF THE STRUGGLE FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE
Artivism for Climate Justice: Empowering Young Artists as Climate Advocates
Banye Art, in partnership with HRM and HCi, with support from NSCAD University, is excited to launch Artivism for Climate Justice. This project builds on our earlier My Climate and Art initiative, where we saw how art can powerfully spark conversations about our environment. What we also discovered is that while climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time, many young artists in Nova Scotia are not yet engaged in climate justice efforts. Their voices and creativity are missing in spaces where they could have a powerful impact. This project steps in to change that.
Our goal is to equip young artists with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to become climate justice activists, supporters, and advocates. We want to see young people using their creativity not only to make art, but also to make change. By learning about climate justice principles and artistic activism, participants will be able to merge their creative practice with meaningful action.
The impact we are working toward is simple but far-reaching: more climate-literate artists, stronger community advocacy, and a vibrant network of creatives actively promoting environmental awareness. When young artists lead, their art becomes more than self-expression; it becomes a tool for education, activism, and resilience.
Here’s what we’ll be doing together:
- Recruiting and engaging at least 25 young artists, primarily from NSCAD University and creative communities in Nova Scotia.
- Training workshop led by climate experts and artists to explore climate justice, sustainability, and creative advocacy.
- Building practical skills in storytelling through art and campaign design.
- Supporting artists as they create at least 10 original climate-focused artworks.
- Mentoring participants to design and launch small climate justice campaigns in schools, communities, and online spaces.
- Sharing these artworks through exhibitions, public displays, and digital platforms to spark wider conversations.
By the end of the project, young artists will not only have deepened their knowledge of climate justice but will also have applied it in practice, sharing their art with the public, launching mini-campaigns, and inspiring their peers. Some will step into mentorship roles, supporting others in their schools and art communities.
This is more than a project; it’s the beginning of a movement that puts young creatives at the heart of Nova Scotia’s climate justice story.
FROM THE PAST
Call for Participation: “My Climate and Art” Virtual Exhibition
Banye Art invites Nova Scotia artists to participate in My Climate and Art, a virtual climate justice art exhibition from November 1st to November 30th, 2024. This exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Girl Child Art Foundation, aims to harness the power of art to address the climate crisis and inspire action.
Why Climate Justice?
In Halifax, recent severe weather events like storms, wildfires, and flooding have underscored the urgent need for creative, human-driven solutions to climate change. Climate change threatens our environment, health, economic stability, safety, and livelihoods. Art is a powerful tool that can inspire individuals and communities to make changes, raise awareness, and support policies that combat climate change.
We are calling on artists across Nova Scotia to share their perspectives on the impacts of climate change. Whether through personal lifestyle changes, activism, or policy support, your artwork can inspire others to act.
How to Participate:
- Eligibility: Open to artists 15 to 35 years old residing in Nova Scotia.
- Submission Deadline: November 7th, 2024.
- Artwork Criteria: You may submit up to 3 original artworks. Each work must be of high-resolution quality (minimum 300 DPI or 2000×2000 pixels).
- Additional Submission Requirements:
- A bio including your age.
- An artist statement for each submitted work.
- An answer to the question: Why do you want to participate in this project?
- Submission Format: Email your artwork and accompanying materials to gcaf@girlchildart.org.
Selection Process:
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of experienced artists and curators. Selected artists will be notified, and their works will be showcased in a virtual exhibition accessible across schools in Nova Scotia and Canada, fostering discussion and education on climate justice.
Some participating artists would be invited to visit schools in person to discuss their work during or after the exhibition, helping to inspire young people to engage with climate action through creative expression.
Join us to honor our stories and showcase compelling artwork for climate justice.
“Help protect the people and places you love by donating today.”
