Invested In Climate Creativity, movement building and culture change for climate, Ep# 12
Might it be that the climate crisis requires not just technological change but also culture change. Might it be that as a civilization we need profound shifts in how we think, speak and act. If that’s the case, then art and creative expression will be critical to stretching our imaginations and to creating the new narratives, paradigms and mindsets that underpin our society.
Planning for this episode I became fascinated with the role and potential of artistic movements in creating culture change. I actually recorded this episode with a live audience of designers and creative people at IDEO, the design firm where I work. And so the pressure was on.
After extensive research, I was thrilled to find Raquel deAnda and Gan Golan. Raquel is an artist, curator and cultural producer involved in many climate and social justice organizations, and she helps lead the US Department of Arts and Culture. Gan Golan artist, activist, creative strategist, and NY Times bestselling author and he is a co-founder of the Climate Clock.
Raquel and Gan met while designing and organizing the role of art in the 2014 People’s Climate March. That was one of the largest climate mobilizations in history and so they bring really informed perspectives on the power of creativity in the climate movement. We talked about that experience, the work they’re doing now, how artists continue to impact the climate movement and advice for anyone that wants to use their creativity to address climate change. So whether you’re an artist, creatively curious or just eager for that culture change we need – this episode has a lot you’ll enjoy. Here we go.
In Today’s Episode, we cover:
- [3:11] How Raquel and Gan met
- [4:04] The role of art and creativity at the People's Climate March
- [7:05] The impacts of the March on the climate justice movement
- [10:59] What is actually happening and what is the pushback
- [14:33] What is Climate Clock and what is it aiming to achieve
- [18:41] How can people get involved and utilize Climate Clock's resources
- [19:56] Examples of art as an organizing strategy
- [21:02] What is the US Department of Arts and Culture and what is it aiming to achieve
- [24:32] Traction for supporting artists through local government
- [26:16] Funding barriers for climate creatives and ways to support
- [30:27] How to elevate the urgency of climate in our public discourse
- [33:54] Advice for creatives interested in climate justice work
- [36:19] How to bring climate action into the house as parents
- [39:34] Finding inspiration and emerging ideas
- [43:14] Other climate resources: Like the Waters, We Rise
- [45:37] Lifting up joy in work and activism
Resources & People Mentioned
Connect with Raquel deAnda and Gan Golan
Connect With Jason Rissman
Subscribe to Invested In Climate