Art for the Earth: Creative Advocacy for the Environment

“Who can we trust with our collective future?” Artist John Akomfrah posed this pressing question in relation to his epic video work, Purple (2017), which offers a visual meditation on the effects of human progress on the planet. At a time when futures feel uncertain, many creatives have focused their efforts on raising awareness of environmental issues, using culture as a platform to bolster evidence provided by science that we are at a moment of collective crisis.
Responses to the climate crisis can come in many different forms, from music composition and dance choreography to paintings and policymaking. JD Talasek, Director of Cultural Programs at the National Academy of Sciences, moderated a conversation exploring creative approaches to advocacy with artist and city planner Andrea Limauro; musician and researcher Paul Miller aka DJ Spooky; and dancer, choreographer, policymaker Diana Movius.
The program is presented as part of the Hirshhorn Summit, inspired by John Akomfrah: Purple.