Climate Change:Cultural Change
[North East England] 2006/07
A major arts and culture programme, developed in partnership with CarbonNeutral Newcastle, bringing together new artist commissions, photography, film, events and exhibitions to raise climate change up the agenda in North East England. See web-site: www.climatechange-culturalchange.com
The programme formed part of the cultural programming for the World Summit on Arts And Culture, which took place in NewcastleGateshead between 14th to 17th June 2006. It was made possible by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, ONE NorthEast, the Environment Agency, Northumbrian Water and supported by the Co-operative Group, Arts Council England North East, CarbonNeutral Newcastle, the Globe Gallery, Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council.
The project aimed to explore the significance of climate change and to bring it to public attention and engagement.
Activities included:
David Buckland's 'Water-Mist Wall Video Art Work'
A huge, impressive water wall with a video of the Arctic projected onto it, sited behind the Sage Gateshead.
Climate Art Commission and residency
Michael Pinsky, see web-site www.michaelpinsky.com, was appointed to explore the contribution that an artist can make to shift public attitudes and behaviour on climate change through public interaction and commissioned work. He produced a piece of work entitled Come Hell or High Water, with floating cars situated by the Newcastle/Gateshead Quayside on the river Tyne.
Helen Mayer Harrison and Newton Harrison
Showing 'Peninsula Europe' by eminent US-based ecological artists - a film anticipating long-term problems that may arise as a result of climate change and proposing a way to see the high grounds of Europe as an entity.
NorthSouthEastWest - A 3600 View Of Climate Change
Part of the British Council's Zerocarboncities Campaign. Photographs by 10 of the world's top photographers capturing images from diverse countries around the world, to illustrate the impact of climate change and the solutions for reduction of carbon emissions in communities, exhibited in large format in The Gate.
Climate Change Explorer
A 'virtual gallery' of artworks on climate change, led by new media artist Peter Rogers. An invitation to contribute to the gallery was extended to schoolchildren and university students in Tyne and Wear, shoppers at the MetroCentre and to youth groups in the UK and internationally.
Peter also produced a poster based on the UK in 2050, distributed to a range of outlets such as the MetroCentre, the Gate, National Trust venues, wildlife trusts, garden information centres and nature reserves.
Peter Kennard
Commission of an arresting image on climate change. 50,000 flyers with Peter's image about climate change plus a text message, were handed out to people in five city centres across the North East.
Van Conversion Day
Heath Bunting and Kayle Brandon celebrating the conversion of a van to run on vegetable oil.
Self Portrait Sri Lanka
Screening and talk on the above film, giving an insight into Sri Lankan people's experiences post-tsunami, and the regeneration activities required after inundation by the sea.
