ONCA exhibition Photo Solange Leon

Culture Declares Emergency on the south coast

What is the role of art in responding to the multiple crises we are facing around climate change, ecological decline and climate justice?  The science is clear and people around the world are joining the call for change. Culture Declares Emergency is a national movement of artists and cultural organisations stepping into this space through the act of declaring an emergency as a starting point for taking action. Polly Gifford writes.

A network of regional and international hubs provides a framework for this action.  The South East Coastal Hub launched in late 2021, initially covering the coastal area from Hastings to Brighton, but open to anyone who feels connected to the Sussex coast – an area already well known for its engagement in both culture and the environment.

For Earth Day 2023 – on 22 April – artists and organisations along the South East Coast are coming together to connect with nature through creative activity. Although moments like Earth Day can be problematic – surely every day is an Earth Day? – they are useful rallying points.  We hope that by coming together we can amplify the activity of all the organisations involved, and give us more opportunities to get involved.

But what action should we be taking?  Do we first have to look at our own practice and ways of working? This is of course important, but declaring is not about being perfect. Individuals and organisations often feel wary about speaking out, in case they are accused of hypocrisy. But this ‘climate shaming’ is an ugly tactic, used to shut down the discussion. We live in an imperfect world and ‘declaring’ is a starting point and a commitment to doing better.

Is the role of the arts to focus on communicating the science more effectively to persuade more people of the seriousness of the situation? This is also important, but it is limited. We need people to take action, and humans generally take action around the things they feel connected to and care about. Many people, particularly in our increasingly urban societies, have lost their connection to nature and need ways to reconnect that are relevant to them and the challenges they face.

People also need hope – hope that things can be different – and this is where the great potential for art and artists lies. Artists are storytellers, dream weavers, imaginers of a better future and not just in a utopian, ‘Star Trek’ kind of way. The arts speak to the heart as well as the mind – and this can be very powerful.

Find out more about Culture Declares and see the full list of Earth Day activities here.

See also: Earth Day 2023

Also in: Arts News