Local artists and creative and cultural leaders are being encouraged to apply to be part of an Australian-first international transformation program that empowers and mobilises the arts to take action on the climate and ecological crisis with impact, creativity and resilience.
The Creative Climate Leadership (CCL) program – to be held from September 11 to 16 in Bundanon, New South Wales – is a partnership between the Australia Council for the Arts and Julie’s Bicycle, an internationally renowned UK not-for-profit that has so far designed and delivered the program to more than 250 participants from over 26 countries.
In a further coup for the Australian-first program, respected Yorta Yorta Songwoman and Storyteller Ruth Langford has been announced as a co-facilitator. Ruth brings over twenty years’ experience across arts, environmental, social justice and youth work and will collaborate with the team from Julie’s Bicycle to design and deliver the program.
“First Nations people from across the globe have understood that the sacred technologies of arts-based practice, including ways to connect to the intelligence of Country, can reveal impactful solutions,” Ms Langford said.
“It is imperative that we care for and resource our courageous leaders in the arts who are navigating the Climate Crisis. I am delighted to be involved in such an incredibly positive program.”
Alison Tickell, Founder and CEO of Julie’s Bicycle said the program course offered an inspiring 5-day program of leadership and peer-to-peer exchange for 24 talented and motivated participants.
“Australia is a land of artists and cultural pioneers who have been connecting deeply with the climate, nature, and justice crisis. CCL Australia will gather 24 of these extraordinary people to share and celebrate their culture-led contributions to these crises – perhaps our greatest chance to restore balance and care,” Ms Tickell said.
Julie’s Bicycle has successfully delivered the program in the UK, Canada, USA, Benelux, Sweden, Scandinavia, Slovenia, Wales and Greece. Alumni join an evolving international network of creatives taking action and mobilising others in their field through events, workshops, artistic works, and projects.
Applications are now open to practicing artists and creative/cultural/arts professionals based in and/or working in Australia.
The successful participants will engage in an inspiring program of learning and peer-to-peer exchange with 24 talented and motivated participants.
Creative Climate Leadership (CCL) empowers artists and cultural professionals to take action on the climate and ecological crisis with impact, creativity, and resilience.
Participants will deepen their understanding of the climate and ecological crises, understand and develop the role of culture and creativity in responding to these challenges, and emerge with a toolbox of approaches and practical solutions for transformative action.
Australia Council for the Arts Executive Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships, Georgie McClean said the Council was pleased to be funding the CCL Program, as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and the environment.
“Artists and leaders within the creative industries can play a significant role in championing positive and transformative climate action. We are delighted to be able to support them in this way,” Ms McClean said.
“Our culture changes hearts and minds and envisages alternative futures. We look forward to seeing what the new cohort of sustainable-minded leaders generate from the insights in this program.”
