CLIMARTE COMMISSIONS

SHADOWS by Angela Viora

SHADOWS, Angela Viora: "Tracing the trees’ shadows on the ground with chalk, pedestrians see the traces the day after during the day-light, stepping onto them. Hopefully, they look up and see the beautiful trees standing next. I hope that these interventions will work as reminders to Melbournians of the importance of the work that trees do for us 24/7, incessantly, day and night."

Rewriting The Score, 2019

Rewriting the Score was commissioned by Latrobe Regional Gallery in collaboration with CLIMARTE and incorporates painting, video and sound to address the energy transitions that are occurring in the Latrobe Valley.

Some Significant Equations, 2019

Climate change has a scientific basis that is beyond question. In two significant papers written in the 1960s Japanese born American meteorologist and climatologist Suki Manabe developed a global mathematical model to simulate climate change.

CLIMARTE FESTIVALS

ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2019

ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2019 presented 33 socially engaged exhibitions and events at leading museums and galleries across Melbourne and regional Victoria. The 2019 festival considered ideas and concepts around art and activism, community engagement, transition and accelerated action on climate change.

Rewriting The Score, 2019

Rewriting the Score was commissioned by Latrobe Regional Gallery in collaboration with CLIMARTE and incorporates painting, video and sound to address the energy transitions that are occurring in the Latrobe Valley.

Some Significant Equations, 2019

Climate change has a scientific basis that is beyond question. In two significant papers written in the 1960s Japanese born American meteorologist and climatologist Suki Manabe developed a global mathematical model to simulate climate change.

ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2017

At a time when facts can have ‘alternative facts’, news can be ‘fake’, and coal can be ‘clean’, ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2017 upholds a long tradition of art speaking truthfully and thoughtfully to power.

KEYNOTE: ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2017

Artist and co-founder of The Canary Project Edward Morris discusses the diverse ways in which artists can contribute to social movements to address climate change.

ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2015

Art, culture and environment are vital areas of contemporary intersection, generating exciting and thought-provoking explorations of ideas and creative thinking about the environmental conundrums of the 21st Century.

CLIMARTE PERFORMANCE

SHADOWS by Angela Viora

SHADOWS, Angela Viora: "Tracing the trees’ shadows on the ground with chalk, pedestrians see the traces the day after during the day-light, stepping onto them. Hopefully, they look up and see the beautiful trees standing next. I hope that these interventions will work as reminders to Melbournians of the importance of the work that trees do for us 24/7, incessantly, day and night."

Not Now, Not Ever.

Not Now, Not Ever is a techno-arachnid fantasy – a sing-and-dance-along to Julia Gillard’s ‘Misogyny Speech’ and a meditation on what it means to bring a girl into the twenty-first century.

You’re Safe Til 2024

We live in a strange moment in the history of the Earth. Humans are building cities, damming rivers, digging up fossil fuels and transforming the very face of the planet.

CLIMARTE POSTER PROJECTS

Poster Project III: A Call To Art

CLIMARTE' s 'Poster Project III: A Call to Art', 28 February - 28 March 2022, was a curated collection of ten posters reflecting a diversity of approaches to the Climate Emergency. The open call out received incredible works, and nearly all submissions are visible here. We were enormously humbled by the number of responses, and the depth of concern expressed.

Poster Project III: Why a Call to Art? Forum

The Poster Project III: Why a Call to Art? Forum held on 26 February 2022 officially launched CLIMARTE's third poster project with the City of Melbourne. Led by Dr. Lara Stevens, Forum speakers included Professor Brian Martin, Professor Patricia Piccinini and Dr Jen Rae. Introduced by City of Melbourne Councillor Rohan Leppert, the Forum was an exceptional opportunity to hear leaders in creative communications discuss their research and practice, as well as their views on the potential power of art to change Everything.

CLIMARTE POSTER PROJECT 2019

The CLIMARTE Poster Project II is about provoking public dialogue and accelerating a response to the climate crisis. With strength, optimism and urgency, it pushes the conceptual possibilities of the poster, finding new ways for contemporary artists to critically engage the public on climate change.

CLIMARTE POSTER PROJECT 2016

CLIMARTE commissioned eleven Australian artists to design posters that engage the community on climate change action, and convey the strength, optimism, and urgency we need to move to a clean, renewable energy future.

CLIMARTE VIDEOS

Guy Abrahams Opens Simon Harsent Show

This event took place at Edmund Pearce Gallery Melbourne 5 February 2014

The Maldives Exodus Caravan Show

The Maldives Exodus Caravan Show is curated by Danish artist Søren Dahlgaard with deputy curators Elena Gilbert & Microclima.

William L. Fox Interview

Interview with William L. Fox, Director, Centre For Art + Environment (USA), 7 May 2015. Presented by ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2015

David Buckland Interview

Interview with David Buckland, Director Cape Farewell, UK, 7 May 2015. Presented by ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2015

2015 Promotional Video

ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2015 is a festival of climate change related arts and ideas featuring curated exhibitions alongside a series of keynote lectures and public forums featuring local and international guests.

Art Climate Ethics: What Role For The Arts?

This event took place at Federation Square As Part Of The Sustainable Living Festival 29 April 2017 as part of ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE

Earth And Sky John Marwurndjul And Gulumbu Yunupingu

The exhibition Earth and Sky curated by Hetti Perkins, features a selection of bark paintings by John Mawurndjul and Gulumbu Yunupingu, two of the most outstanding Australian artists of our time

The Art Of The Anthropocene

Nevada Museum of Art asks us to imagine art, not just for art’s sake, but art that walks in the world; recording and archiving the human experience for present and future generations to learn and grow from.

Harnessing the Arts

This video was produced and created by festival Director Bronwyn Johnson and Guy Abrahams for CLIMARTE’s ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2017 festival.

KEYNOTE: ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2017

Artist and co-founder of The Canary Project Edward Morris discusses the diverse ways in which artists can contribute to social movements to address climate change.

Debbie Symons, Counting One To Four: Nature Morte 2015

This video installation was exhibited at PRODROMUS gallery in Paris during the world climate negotiations in November 2015 and exhibited at the Streaming Museum, at the Dag Hammerskjold Plaza, New York City in October 2015.

EVENTS

Launch Event: 'The Scrolls: 3,000 days and counting...' Special Viewing + Conversation

Sunday 6 Oct, 2-5pm. Special Viewing + Conversation at The Store, Abbotsford Convent as part of Melbourne Fringe 2024. Every day until 22 April (Earth Day) 2030 award winning botanical artist Sharon Field makes a drawing or painting for 'The Scrolls: 3,000 days...and counting'. A stunning, active, archival artwork, Sharon's Scrolls are an ongoing creative action to engage as many people as possible to join her in doing everything in their power to halt the destruction and begin healing local and global ecosystems. CLIMARTE is proud to be supporting Sharon to present 'The Scrolls' to audiences in Australia, US, UK, Europe and Asia in 2024.

Artist Talk + BILYA Presentation

Wednesday 21 February 2024, 6pm. Artist Talk + Bilya Presentation exploring the role of locally-focused creative work in intersecting climate, culture and community in ways that effectively contribute towards a fair, socially and ecologically sustainable future based on respect and reciprocity. This event is proudly held in association with the National Sustainability Festival.

Art + Ecology Discussion

Saturday 17 February 2024, 2pm. Join 'Creative Constellations: Atlas of Radical Hope' participating artist Carmel Wallace and ​​John​​​​ Bradford, Grassland Restoration Ecologist at Nature Glenelg Trust, for a conversation about the 'INSCRIPTION' project created on Gunditjmara Country in southwest Victoria, Australia. This event is proudly held in association with the National Sustainability Festival.

'A Basket of Songs' Book Launch

Saturday 17 February 2024, 11am. Join us for the Launch of 'A Basket of Songs' featuring lyrics and illustrations by Trace Balla and music by Andrew McSweeney. Held as part of 'Creative Constellations: Atlas of Radical Hope', in association with the National Sustainability Festival, this singalong to launch 'A Basket of Songs' welcomes us all to connect to our hearts and the things that really matter.

Artist Workshop by Carolyn Lunt

Sunday 16 July 2023, 2 - 3:30pm. In Association with the Exhibition 'A Disability Lens on Climate Emergency' Carolyn Lunt will share creative tips and assist you to make your own COVID artwork using a very similar process to that of her current work at Bundoora Homestead which was awarded the prestigious People’s Choice Award.

Artist Talks and Film Screening ‘Whitening the Sky'

Saturday 29 July 2023, 2 - 3:30pm. In association with the Exhibition A Disability Lens on Climate Emergency, please join Dr Bon Mott _/\_ to facilitate discussions at CLIMARTE Gallery with participating exhibition contemporary artists.

What is the role of the Arts in a 'wellbeing economy'?

Saturday 17 June 2023, 2 - 4pm. Please join FLOW artists for a special viewing of their work and to share ideas about what a creativity-driven 'wellbeing economy' could look like and how to bring it to life.

What makes a 'creative economy'?

Wednesday 14 June 2023, 6 - 7.30pm. Please join FLOW artists for a viewing and discussion about their work, and to exchange ideas for transitioning to a 'creative economy', one that supports all people and the natural world to thrive.

Affect: Wind and the Body

Saturday 27 May 2023, 10am – 2pm. As part of their artwork for 'Invisible Winds', Gretel and Gülsen will facilitate 'Affect: Wind and the Body', a public movement workshop to introduce aspects of Body Weather physical training, as well as an experience of the practice developed for the exhibition.

Invisible Winds Artist Talk

Saturday 6 May 2023, 2 – 4pm. Join artists Pia Johnson, Philip Samartzis, Tammy Wong Hulbert, Marnie Badham and co-curator Madeleine Sherburn for a discussion about physical and emotional attachments to wilderness and to place through socially engaged creative projects.

REVOLT Closing Performance

22 April 2023, 5 - 7pm. Led by Dr Lara Stevens and co-starring Zachary Hart, a part-scripted, part-interactive performance based on Australia’s 'revolutionary ruling' (2021) that leaders have a common law duty of care to protect young people’s futures from harms caused by climate change and the former Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley’s successful Appeal (2022) of it.

REVOLT Public Discussion

20 April 2023, 6 - 8pm. Where did it all start and where are we now in civic society’s fight for Climate Justice? Are we headed in the right direction? How helpful is it to fully understand the historical contexts of the grassroots climate and associated social justice movements? What is its present-day avatar? What will it take to secure a safe climate future?

BIRD Event II

4 March 2023, 2 - 4pm. The second of two public events for 'BIRD' is an opportunity to join the Exhibition's Creative Producer and artist Kate Gorringe-Smith and participating artists Alexis Beckett and Dominic White for a discussion about their art work and sources of inspiration.

BIRD Event I

11 February 2023, 2 - 4pm. This first of two public events for 'BIRD' is an opportunity to hear the Exhibition's Creative Producer and artist Kate Gorringe-Smith and participating artists Rachel Mounsey and Lucille Martin discuss their art practice and the numerous processes that inform their work.

Imaginary Animal Real Estate AUCTION!

Saturday 4 February 2023, 4 - 6pm. An auction of prime real estate was led by an award-winning auctioneer from Furr & Fethaz, artist and researcher Eva Alisic. Extravagant nest hats and furry friends all encouraged to attend!

FOOD: Awkward Holiday Gathering

15 December, 12noon to 2pm. As a part of 'FOOD', participating artists Jenny McCracken and Helen Addison-Smith joined artist-researcher Dr Jen Rae and 'FOOD' Creative Producer Jacqui Henshaw for a public discussion exploring all aspects of food systems, including how to have a festive meal that also celebrates the natural world from which all our food comes from while exchanging useful tips on how to navigate 'awkward' conversations with science/facts deniers. Image of 'therestofus' Tree by Café Lab.

FOOD: Spontaneous Plant Walk

14 December 5pm - 7pm. As a part of FOOD we ae proud to offer a Spontaneous Plant Walk led Collingwood based art collective, Studio 15. Come on a dérive around the surrounding areas of Richmond, focusing on the unique plant life that flourishes in novel ecosystems such as abandoned or overgrown lots, rooftops and cracks in the pavement. 

Exploring Toolangi Forest

5 November 2022. Guided by Creative Producer and participating artist Karena Goldfinch and President of Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum, Steve Meacher, a public event exploring endangered species of Toolangi Forest through stories, songs, science, poetry, music and sculpture.

Hanging by a thread Event II

Wednesday 19 October 2022, 6 - 7.30pm. What is required to transform the fashion industry from one that is ecocidal and anti-social into one that genuinely benefits people and the planet? Please join Hanging by a thread's Creative Producer Jacqui Henshaw and participating artist Jill Johanson to hear about their art and textile practice and the numerous processes that inform their work.

REGENEROSITY Closing Event

Sunday 9 October 2022, 2pm - 4pm. Led by community organisers from FLOAT and the Gippsland Community Power Hub and held within the REGENEROSITY exhibition of images by Rachel Mounsey - one of Gippsland’s most acclaimed photographers -, this public discussion focused on citizen epiphany, local manifestation, and global acclaim (and all the things that happen in between) as a basic tenet for determined and effective climate change action.

TREE Exhibition Special Event

TREE Exhibition Special Event: 21 October 2022 5 for 5.30pm What's the story and the science behind the City of Melbourne's world-leading Urban Forest project, and why are such nature-based initiatives so critically important in the face of the Climate Emergency? What role can the Arts play in rewilding urban spaces? Join Creative Producer Jo Lane and participating TREE artists for a fascinating discussion with Senior Urban Forester Fiona Brown and Project Officer Giuliana Leslie from the City of Melbourne's Urban Forest Team. Where: TREE Exhibition at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, When: Friday 21 October, 5.30 to 7pm.

COST: Behind the seams

As part of Melbourne Fashion Week, CLIMARTE was proud to present ‘COST: Behind the seams’ on 14 October 2022. This public event featured leaders in sustainable fashion, Kit Willow of KITX, Courtney Holm of A.BCH and 'Sundressed' author Lucianne Tonti discussing fashion’s effect on the earth and the exciting developments that could positively transform the industry.

Solastalgia & tomorrow Closing Event

Saturday 1 October 2022. On the final day of Solastalgia & tomorrow, five of the seven artists involved in the exhibition participate in a public discussion about the 'solastalgia' phenomenon, and the processes behind their creative choices.

Book Launch: 'Humanity's Moment' by Joëlle Gergis + Conversation

Launch of 'Humanity’s Moment' by award-winning climate scientist and writer Joëlle Gergis, including a conversation led by City of Yarra Mayor, Cr Sophie Wade. 12 September, 6pm at the CLIMARTE Gallery.

Artists Talk: 'Critical Limit: An Urgent Call for Collective Climate Action'

Join artists Kathy Holowko and Michael Fikaris in conversation with CLIMARTE Gallery’s co-chair Jo Lane. This conversation will explore themes such as the role of artists and arts in connecting our community to issues which matter right now; how art might help us heal our relationship with nature; how we might create art which is visible, accessible and has impact; and the role of artists as agents of change. Date and time: Wednesday, 17 August 2022, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm AEST at the CLIMARTE Gallery

EVANESCE + ART+CLIMATE=ACTION Launch

CLIMARTE and Centre for Projection Art celebrated World Environment Day 2022 with an artists talk at the CLIMARTE Gallery Sunday 5th June, 6pm. Involving EVANESCE artists, the talk focussed on work at the intersection of art and climate emergencies. This event also launched ART+CLIMATE=ACTION (A+C=A), an ongoing arts + climate advocacy program inspired by CLIMARTE's highly successful ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE biennial festivals.

Between Machine and Prey: An Artist Talk with Kris Verdonck and Kristof van Baarle

Thursday 26th May 2022, 6:00pm - 7:30pm. 'Between Machine and Prey: An Artist Talk with Kris Verdonck and Kristof van Baarle' was part of the ‘Future Scenarios: Performance, Climate, Ecology’ series presented by the University of Melbourne School of Culture and Communication.

P.P.P.P public discussion and celebration

On the eve of Australia's Federal election, we had a public discussion of the role street posters play in mobilising communities to demand a better future. The discussion was led by Dr. Clare McCracken, a CLIMARTE poster artist (2019) and recipient of Vice Chancellors scholarship for her practice-led research which sits at the intersection of art, cultural geography and urban theory.

FIRE Forum

Artists Fiona Lee, Jody Graham, Benedict Sibley, artist and CFA predictive bushfire services specialist Andy Ackland and CFA volunteer and member of Australian Firefighters Climate Alliance Cam Walker joined FIRE Creative Producer Jo Lane from CLIMARTE and City of Yarra Mayor Cr Sophie Wade in a discussion about fire and art.

Jamie Perera at CLIMARTE Gallery, 'Anthropocene in C Major'

Following sold-out shows described at Adelaide Fringe as hectic, devastating, thought provoking and brilliant, UK/Portugal based composer and sound artist Jamie Perera performed 'Anthropocene in C Major' at the CLIMARTE Gallery from sunset on 9 March 2022.

Poster Project III: Why a Call to Art? Forum

The Poster Project III: Why a Call to Art? Forum held on 26 February 2022 officially launched CLIMARTE's third poster project with the City of Melbourne. Led by Dr. Lara Stevens, Forum speakers included Professor Brian Martin, Professor Patricia Piccinini and Dr Jen Rae. Introduced by City of Melbourne Councillor Rohan Leppert, the Forum was an exceptional opportunity to hear leaders in creative communications discuss their research and practice, as well as their views on the potential power of art to change Everything.

The Bach Project

If not now, then when? An intergenerational Conversation on Culture and Climate Action in collaboration with Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Project featuring a musical interlude by Yo-Yo Ma.

EXHIBITIONS

Creative Constellations: Atlas of Radical Hope

14 February - 2 March 2024. In the context of the Climate Emergency, 'Creative Constellations: Atlas of Radical Hope' is an exhibition making visible locally focused creative work that intersects climate, culture and community in ways that boldly envision a fair, socially and ecologically sustainable future based on respect and reciprocity. This exhibition is proudly held in association with the National Sustainability Festival.

The Climate Quilt

Initiated by the late Mary Good, driven by Carol Ride from Psychology for a Safe Climate, and brought together by Jo Lane, 'The Climate Quilt' is comprised of sewn squares of concern for our climate, our environment, and our future. Our special offering at this time of contemplation, 'The Climate Quilt' is on show in the front room of 120 Bridge Road, Richmond from 20 December 2023 until early February 2024.

From nowhere

On display in the shopfront windows of 120 Bridge Road, Richmond from mid September until early December 2023, Joe Newton-Keogh’s 'From nowhere' explored the boundaries of consciousness through mostly rescued ‘waste’. His project was born in isolation during COVID. Repurposing wire, he literally created his own companions and community. In the Climate Emergency context - by turning waste into fellow ‘beings’ - Newton-Keogh’s work represents a form of active resistance to the isolating and exploitative forces at the heart of it.

A Disability Lens on Climate Emergency

6 July - 5 August 2023. Curated by Louise Marson, A Disability Lens on Climate Emergency showcases the unique perspectives that Deaf and Disabled people bring to the climate crisis. A Disability Lens on Climate Emergency is proudly supported by the City of Yarra, CLIMARTE and Arts Access Victoria.

FLOW

31 May - 1 July 2023. In the context of the Climate Emergency, and timed with the end of the financial year, FLOW is an exhibition exploring what a better future looks like. Examining flows between money, politics, information and power, artwork in FLOW poses critical questions about financial flows, reminds us of the vital interconnections and interdependencies between all life, and shows the profound possibilities of economic systems based on respect and reciprocity.

Invisible Winds

26 April - 27 May 2023. Depictions of wind often symbolise the chaotic, raw and brutal powers of nature. Created through the opposing forces of cold and warm air, winds can create severe and widespread destruction - moving oceans, eroding landscapes, toppling the built environment, and displacing communities. From desert storms and tornadoes to typhoons and hurricanes, winds typically instil fear. Yet as a productive force, wind has the energy and power we need to sustain our living needs. A cool breeze on a summer day is welcome and the sounds carried by whispering winds have been known to cast spells. Wind can also instil awe and wonder, connecting us to spirituality, folklore, history, and the changing of the seasons.

REVOLT

15 March - 22 April 2023. Tracing the history of climate activism, REVOLT features performance, dialogue, painting, sculpture, and multi-media to explore civil society’s role and response to industrial-scale destruction of the earth’s ecosystems to re-imagine a decolonised future, with a focus on repairing and regenerating the natural world.

BIRD

8 February - 11 March 2023. We often look to birds to represent our dreams of flight and freedom. They carry the weight of our longing effortlessly, and grace our skies and days with their songs and elegance. BIRD is a celebration of all birdlife. It explores the richness these feathered denizens of the air manifest, while planning ways to urgently protect them from Climate Emergency impacts.

Imaginary Animal Real Estate

6 January - 4 February 2023. 'Imaginary Animal Real Estate', A Furr & Fethaz Real Estate production by Eva Alisic aims to make us both laugh and reflect. On display in the main CLIMARTE window, its sublime and stunning property offerings make us think about inner-city biodiversity, housing affordability and land rights, within the broader context of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

FOOD

30 November - 21 December 2022. We all rely on food.  Food is nourishing and poisonous. Feeding the world; feeding the soil, feeding the plants. feeding the animals and feeding the 8 billion* people on the planet, takes on dystopian proportions. CLIMARTE presents an exhibition and public events on food including a commissioned piece**,exploring aspects of food choices on our health and the health of ecosystems upon which all lives depend.

FOREST: The Last Stand

2 - 26 November 2022. In the lead up to Victoria's state election, 'FOREST: The Last Stand' exposes why our precious natural forests are so critically endangered, honours the communities protecting them and invites new defenders.

Hanging by a thread

12 - 29 October 2022. 'Hanging by a thread' is an exhibition about the climate and environmental impact of fashion design and production, and the exciting developments that could transform the industry from being appallingly ecocidal to one that genuinely is absolutely fabulous.

REGENEROSITY

3 - 9 October 2022. REGENEROSITY is an exhibition of new work by Rachel Mounsey that portrays the exuberance of Gippsland’s sustainability landscape and its generous, persistent people. Note: extended open days due to one week show.

Solastalgia & tomorrow

12 September - 1 October 2022. In 2007 Professor Glenn Albrecht proposed the word 'solastalgia' to enable understanding of environmentally induced distress.  The word is derived from both solace and nostalgia recognised as being critical components in an emotional response to dramatic change in the environment, landscape, and home. Now in 2022 this concept is far more broadly understood and Albrecht himself has moved on recognising the need to think imaginatively of our future. In this show works come together from 2009 through to 2022 that vibrate with humanness expressing a desire to be part of a greater world.

Critical Limit: An Urgent Call for Collective Climate Action

4 August - 3 September 2022. 'Critical Limit: An Urgent Call for Collection Action' presents works from the City of Yarra arts collection and beyond with an environmental focus. Across moving image, photography, painting, prints and sculpture the works explore issues contributing to the climate emergency and its impact on our animal life and natural ecologies.

The #everydayclimatecrisis Visual Petition

18 June - 2 July 2022. The #everydayclimatecrisis Visual Petition is the result of a call out to all women and non-binary people of Australia to create images about Australia's climate crisis, in their local area and country-wide. The Petition's 1,248 printed images showing the effects of climate change were delivered to Federal Parliament in Canberra on 9th June 2022. The ultimate aim is for them to be waved around in Question Time, not a lump of coal. CLIMARTE is thrilled to present artwork from this incredible collaboration.

EVANESCE

25 May - 5 June 2022. Produced by Centre for Projection Art, EVANESCE features work by artists whose practice deeply engages with critical issues associated with the Climate Emergency. 25 May - 5 June 2022. 'EVANESCE' is a collaboration between CLIMARTE and the Centre for Projection Art, and officially launches CLIMARTE's ART+CLIMATE=ACTION program to present powerful climate justice artwork and creative projects on an ongoing basis.

Poster Projects Past & Present (P.P.P.P.) Exhibition

22 April - 18 June 2022. Poster Projects Past & Present (P.P.P.P.) Posters remain a dynamic form of communication. From propaganda to grassroots organising, from infographics to memes, from advertising to subvertising, posters have informed, influenced, mocked, roused and inspired generation after generation. The CLIMARTE Poster Projects have visited Melbourne’s streets since 2016 provoking public dialogue and accelerating a response to climate change. P.P.P.P. is an exhibition of all our Posters.

FIRE Exhibition

9 February - 19 March 2022. CLIMARTE was proud to start 2022 with FIRE, an exhibition by artists who have experienced or make work about fire. More extreme and ferocious fires, particularly in Australia, are a huge consequence of the changes in climate due to global warming caused by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Artists in FIRE have experienced its ravaging effects first hand.

HEAR Exhibition

10 November - 18 December 2021, HEAR. CLIMARTE was proud to open the world’s first Climate Emergency Gallery with HEAR, an exhibition of contemporary Indigenous art calling for all Australians to listen to and care for Country. For CLIMARTE, it was critically important that the Gallery open with First Nations artists’ voices. We were humbled by the opportunity to present this exceptional collection of deeply engaging artwork.

PAST PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Guy Abrahams Opens Simon Harsent Show

This event took place at Edmund Pearce Gallery Melbourne 5 February 2014

The Maldives Exodus Caravan Show

The Maldives Exodus Caravan Show is curated by Danish artist Søren Dahlgaard with deputy curators Elena Gilbert & Microclima.

William L. Fox Interview

Interview with William L. Fox, Director, Centre For Art + Environment (USA), 7 May 2015. Presented by ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2015

David Buckland Interview

Interview with David Buckland, Director Cape Farewell, UK, 7 May 2015. Presented by ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2015

2015 Promotional Video

ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2015 is a festival of climate change related arts and ideas featuring curated exhibitions alongside a series of keynote lectures and public forums featuring local and international guests.

Art Climate Ethics: What Role For The Arts?

This event took place at Federation Square As Part Of The Sustainable Living Festival 29 April 2017 as part of ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE

Earth And Sky John Marwurndjul And Gulumbu Yunupingu

The exhibition Earth and Sky curated by Hetti Perkins, features a selection of bark paintings by John Mawurndjul and Gulumbu Yunupingu, two of the most outstanding Australian artists of our time

The Art Of The Anthropocene

Nevada Museum of Art asks us to imagine art, not just for art’s sake, but art that walks in the world; recording and archiving the human experience for present and future generations to learn and grow from.

Counting One to Four

Counting One to Four: Nature morte synthesises the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) findings revealing predicted mass species extinctions as global average temperatures increase by one to four degrees above pre-industrial levels.

Harnessing the Arts

This video was produced and created by festival Director Bronwyn Johnson and Guy Abrahams for CLIMARTE’s ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2017 festival.

In conversation at Geelong Gallery

Geelong Gallery hosts a dynamic conversation with exhibiting artists Mandy Martin and Alexander Boynes, Co-founder and CEO of CLIMARTE, Guy Abrahams, Executive Director of CLIMARTE, Bronwyn Johnson and Geelong Gallery Director, Jason Smith.

KEYNOTE: ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2017

Artist and co-founder of The Canary Project Edward Morris discusses the diverse ways in which artists can contribute to social movements to address climate change.

Debbie Symons, Counting One To Four: Nature Morte 2015

This video installation was exhibited at PRODROMUS gallery in Paris during the world climate negotiations in November 2015 and exhibited at the Streaming Museum, at the Dag Hammerskjold Plaza, New York City in October 2015.

Art Climate Ethics: What Role For The Arts?

This event took place at Federation Square, Melbourne as part of the Sustainable Living Festival (SLF) on 27 February 2014 and was awarded Best Forum: SLF Greenie Award.

A Museum for the path ahead: New York City’s Climate Museum

This program was produced and created by festival Director Bronwyn Johnson with Catriona Black Dinham for CLIMARTE’s ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2019 festival.

Use Your Voice

ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2019 is a socially engaged festival of ideas, exhibitions and events. Presenting over thirty curated exhibitions at leading museums and galleries in Melbourne and regional Victoria, the 2019 festival will consider ideas and concepts around art and activism, community engagement, transition and accelerated action on climate change.

Slaying the Zombie Myth of Institutional Neutrality

This program was produced and created by festival Director Bronwyn Johnson with Catriona Black Dinham for CLIMARTE’s ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2019 festival.

PODCASTS

P.P.P.P public discussion and celebration

On the eve of Australia's Federal election, we had a public discussion of the role street posters play in mobilising communities to demand a better future. The discussion was led by Dr. Clare McCracken, a CLIMARTE poster artist (2019) and recipient of Vice Chancellors scholarship for her practice-led research which sits at the intersection of art, cultural geography and urban theory.

If not now, then when? A Conversation on Culture and Climate Action

What must we do in the next 11 years to act decisively to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change; and, how can culture move people from awareness to action to ensure a just and sustainable future for all life on Earth?

Climate Bites NATURE

Sink your teeth into climate bites for info packed discussions with experts on food, water, fashion and nature. Take away practical knowledge and tips to bite back against our climate emergency.

Climate Bites FASHION

Sink your teeth into climate bites for info packed discussions with experts on food, water, fashion and nature. Take away practical knowledge and tips to bite back against our climate emergency.

Climate Bites FOOD

Sink your teeth into climate bites for info packed discussions with experts on food, water, fashion and nature. Take away practical knowledge and tips to bite back against our climate emergency.

A Museum for the path ahead: New York City’s Climate Museum

This keynote will address why we need a cultural shift in response to the climate crisis, and why dedicated climate museums are a necessary, though not sufficient, component of that shift.

Climate Bites WATER

Sink your teeth into climate bites for info packed discussions with experts on food, water, fashion and nature. Take away practical knowledge and tips to bite back against our climate emergency.

Museums & Activism: Slaying the Zombie Myth of Institutional Neutrality

Beka Economopoulos and Jason Jones are the co-founders of The Natural History Museum and Not An Alternative, a collective that works at the intersection of art, activism and theory.

PROJECTS

The Scrolls: 3,000 days...and counting

Special Viewing and Conversation at The Store, Abbotsford Convent (Sunday 6 Oct, 2-5pm) as part of Melbourne Fringe 2024. Every day until 22 April (Earth Day) 2030 award winning botanical artist Sharon Field makes a drawing or painting for 'The Scrolls: 3,000 days...and counting'. A stunning, active, archival artwork, Sharon's Scrolls are an ongoing creative action to engage as many people as possible to join her in doing everything in their power to halt the destruction and begin healing local and global ecosystems. CLIMARTE is proud to be supporting Sharon to present 'The Scrolls' to audiences in Australia, US, UK, Europe and Asia in 2024.

Creative Constellations: Atlas of Radical Hope

14 February - 2 March 2024. In the context of the Climate Emergency, 'Creative Constellations: Atlas of Radical Hope' is an exhibition making visible locally focused creative work that intersects climate, culture and community in ways that boldly envision a fair, socially and ecologically sustainable future based on respect and reciprocity. This exhibition is proudly held in association with the National Sustainability Festival.

The Climate Quilt

Initiated by the late Mary Good, driven by Carol Ride from Psychology for a Safe Climate, and brought together by Jo Lane, 'The Climate Quilt' is comprised of sewn squares of concern for our climate, our environment, and our future. Our special offering at this time of contemplation, 'The Climate Quilt' is on show in the front room of 120 Bridge Road, Richmond from 20 December 2023 until early February 2024.

CLIMARTE Window Reflections

CLIMARTE Window Reflections is an emerging project to harness the enormous potential of art to communicate vital climate information through prominent otherwise vacant shopfronts. In addition to providing an inclusive opportunity for artists, residents, local businesses and vacant shop owners to unite in calls for effective climate action, we envisage this project helping to revitalise our local public areas.

Electric Bangladesh: Fossil Free Futures

1 - 4 August 2023. Located very close to General Electric’s (GE) new energy business HQ, 'Electric Bangladesh' is an exhibition of artwork by five Bangladeshi artists calling on the energy giant to stop pushing new deadly fossil fuel projects in Bangladesh. The artworks depict the people of Bangladesh and their resilience as they grapple with the compounding impacts of the climate and biodiversity crises and ecocidal fossil fuel projects.

TREE

'TREE' 11 - 22 October 2022 CLIMARTE presented an exhibition of 25 commissioned artworks that depict and communicate a City of Melbourne’s tree and its experience of life. The trees are from the City of Melbourne’s celebrated Urban Forest project. Life has a layered dialogue with trees in the city context.

Poster Project III: A Call To Art

CLIMARTE' s 'Poster Project III: A Call to Art', 28 February - 28 March 2022, was a curated collection of ten posters reflecting a diversity of approaches to the Climate Emergency. The open call out received incredible works, and nearly all submissions are visible here. We were enormously humbled by the number of responses, and the depth of concern expressed.

PUBLICATIONS & CITATIONS

ART + CLIMATE = CHANGE I

Presenting the work of Australian and international artists across twenty-nine exhibitions and events, ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE explores the power of art to create the empathy, emotional engagement and cultural understanding needed to motivate meaningful change.

ART + CLIMATE = CHANGE II

An illustrated collection of artworks and essays that shine a light on how art can imagine a sustainable future and call for action on climate change.

RESOURCES

FOOD

Discover more about how food choices impact human and planetary health.

WATER

Safe drinking water - a sacred and vital resource for life - is critically threatened. Explore why and what is being done about it.

Draft Resource Subsection - STUFF

Materialism is rife in our ever consumeristic society but comes at the cost of valuable resources, explore what these are and what this means.

Draft Resource Subsection - ENERGY

At the ease of a switch we are able to access the power we require, but where does this come from and why is transitioning from fossil fuel powered energy production so important.

Draft Resource Subsection - ECONOMY

Our economic systems often stifle sustainable progress, explore why and efforts toward environmentally-conscious economic practices.

Draft Resource Subsection - TRANSPORT

The luxury of car and plane travel has large environmental consequences, discover how and the benefits of alternative travel options.