Are we helping understand what is at stake?

'Culture does not shape the climate, but it undoubtedly shapes the climate debate. While scientists explore the mechanics and the data of climate change it is social scientists who show why people support or reject their conclusions. Artists have a role here as we build the transformative stories which can help humanise the implications of the data. As humans we all tend to develop world views consistent with the values held by others within the groups with which we self-identify.' Chris Baldwin

If The Sea Breathes, We Breathe

Art and Environment

Elefsina is often described as a suburb of Athens. But this is not strictly true.

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Elefsina is now a living, breathing metaphor of the twentieth century’s apocalyptic relationship with the environment. The massive oil refinery is not the only symbol of our global inertia to move away from what is killing us all. Cement factories, oil factories, paint and chemical plants were all built here. As a result, many humanistic and creative things also happened of course.

The city generated jobs, economic growth, and a rich community life for many immigrant newcomers. But that period of development is over now, and the city is beginning the long journey of redefining its torrid relationship with the sea, air, and soil.

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European Capitals of Culture, and other cultural initiatives of course, have responsibility of looking for ways in which trust can be built with audiences, spectators, participants, artists, indeed all citizens, for these conversations and imaginative endeavours to take place.

The full article can be read here.

Rusty boat on the shore of Elefsina

Photo Credits: Petko Tanchev

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