How arts & culture work for our planet
Introducing Mrs. Karabaic As a young student, Dunja Karabaic felt that tight definitions and strict separations were not appropriate. Towards the end of her studies at the University of Fine Arts Hamburg the traditional arts market she was to enter appeared to Dunja as flat, hollow and exclusive: you either are in it, stick to its laws and rules, cooperate with an art...
Sustainability in Art: a mere Subject? The fact that artists have made sustainability a subject of their work has become rather common. Numerous not only talk about it but criticise wasteful behaviour or offer alternatives. They put the topic at the heart of their creation. They raise awareness of the urgency of this matter. But are they also sustainable...
Art triggers emotions Art gives a human voice to societal or environmental ‘complications’ (yes, avoiding the ‘p’ word here on purpose). Art can bring attention to certain aspects of specific magnitude like injustice, exploitation… or wonder. Art triggers an emotional response. We all know that the response differs significantly and is unpredictable. Art can bring forth cognitive activation, too. You linger on the...
Culture’s transformative power Have you ever wondered what role culture plays in the ecological sustainability debate? In it, culture – in a broader sense as in a way of life – has come a long way. Finally, in 2019 the United Nations (UN) report highlighted it to be a fundamental component for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The...
From New Zealand New Zealand is the first country that has granted personhood rights to natural entities and landmarks; landmarks that are of divine and spiritual importance to the Māori, the native population of Aotearoa – New Zealand. In the worldview of the Māori, these landmarks are perceived as ancestors as we humans together with all animals and plants...
On the 5th of June 2020 we celebrated the United Nations‘ World Environment Day 2020 hosted by Colombia with this year’s theme “Time for Nature” and focus on biodiversity. As this year coincides with the 250th anniversary of the birth of the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), known for nature to be his biggest love, a project has...
