Climate and Art
The Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley has been working with various community members and partners to integrate arts into climate awareness. From climate concerts and storytelling to immersive paint nights, we have partnered with a variety of local musicians and artists to hold these events.
Why is this work important?
We passionately believe that art is a powerful pathway to help us connect, process feelings like eco-grief, building community and inspire action. Explore below some examples of recent projects in this realm.
When people make art collectively about what matters to them, new insights, dialogue and actions for change become possible. -The International Centre of Art for Social Change
Melodies for a resilient future: Benefit concert for Jasper
In partnership with Scott Diehl, the Digital Hobo, and Artsplace, we hosted an evening of songs and stories of our shared experience with wildfire in a changing climate. All proceeds from the evening were donated to the Jasper Community Team Society towards their Jasper Wildlife Relief fund.
Scott Diehl, the Digital Hobo, and his “Climate Changers” band (Justin Khuong, Irene Poole and Chris Van Keir) performed a variety of original music. Ryan Bray (Jasper resident), Caitlin Miller (Town of Canmore) and MLA Sarah Elmeligi (MLA Banff-Kananaskis) also shared their stories and words of wisdom.
“This is the first time I have genuinely felt that the larger community here was actually seriously beginning to rally around the fact that climate change is a real threat even to us!” - Bob Sandford
“It was an outstanding call for action and included just the right combination of education, emotional true account, political conversation, and artistic expression… and a unifying message of hope, solidarity and community engagement!” - Carol Poland
This event was part of the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership’s 2024 Community Week. Learn more about Community Week here.
Together, we raised over $4,000 towards the Jasper Community Team Society’s Wildfire Relief Fund. If you would like to make an additional donation to Jasper, please click the button below:
educational paint nights
The Biosphere Institute has partnered with Artsplace to host educational paint nights.
Not just an ordinary paint night - these workshops explore a specific plant species local to the Bow Valley in as much detail as possible. The intention is to explore the forests of the Bow Valley in new ways as we delve into a paint night that not only results in a beautiful painting, but also a deeper connection with nature.
songs for climate Benefit concert
In June of 2024, we hosted a climate-themed benefit concert at the Canmore Brew Co.
The Digital Hobo and Marten Borch entertained 30+ attendees with their climate-themed music. All profits were donated to the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley.
we want to hear from you
We continue to look for ways of integrating arts and creativity into our climate action work. Get in touch if you have an idea for a future collaboration!