The Arts for Environmental Thought: An Interns Perspective of EcoVP
Saturday Soundwalk by Paige Naylor
It’s a couple of weeks after the EcoVoice Project Festival, and thinking back on the events and behind-the-scenes preparations I realize something new every time. As an intern, I assisted in launching the festival and experienced the festivities first-hand. I have always had an appreciation for the arts and environment, but this was the first time I had ever attended events where the Arts were being utilized for environmental activism.
From film screenings, and soundscapes, to full-blown concerts, each event had its charm. And while this is essentially a “new” form of activism to most, a majority of the attendees seemed to be able to relate or be moved by the work just like I was. And this feeling carried throughout the crowd over the entire weekend, regardless of age, educational level, or cultural background.
“Our EcoVoices” by Louise Kelly
As I looked into the crowd each day, I watched families and couples lean on each other, taking in and enjoying the music. And I had a constant feeling of appreciation for my mentors (Thomas Allán & Kirsten Hedegaard) and what they were trying to accomplish. Of course, there are many advocates for the environment who understand that there is a dire need for conservative and restorative solutions. But, in this setting, I saw a great willingness of people to listen, and be educated, as they were immersed in an experience created by a group of distinguished artists and environmental experts. Whether they completely understood every topic of climate change or not, I saw how moved they were by the speakers and performances. I noticed people discussing and asking questions after each event. And as an engineering student, I have attended many lectures and seminars where the problem-solving strategies and supporting science are often brilliant and make a lot of sense. However, during those events, I rarely felt the need to understand and feel for the problem addressed or who the strategy would impact. There are so many cause-and-effect relationships to consider, which is an overall basis for why climate change is such a complex issue to solve. And while seminars and lectures may seem efficient as they are, they don’t quite encourage the interactive response the festival received. This makes me wonder how much more support or attention there would be for environmental advocacy in these spaces if the Arts were included.
After extensive exposure through preliminary research, readings, interviews, etc. I feel that I finally understand the power this kind of work has, which is to revive an appreciation that we are all lacking. An appreciation for the environment that we all have to remember to pick up again if there will ever be any change. And while my mentors are engaging in this space through music, their collaborative approach shows recognition for the many possibilities of engaging thought and environmental action with the arts. So that others might feel curious enough to explore these opportunities further. I know that I will, and I can’t wait for the creative future this movement will bring.