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.
Photo: Jam for Jasper taken by Mackenzie (Freckle Face Media Co.)
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
Jam for Jasper: A Night of Music, Community & Climate Action
Saturday, May 31, 2025 | Fairmont Banff Springs
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Jam for Jasper—what a night! With nearly 180 people in the theatre, incredible live music, and a spirit of collective care, this event brought our community together in a powerful way to support wildfire resilience and recovery.
Together, we raised $2,795.91 in support of the Jasper Community Team Society Fund and a wildfire resilience initiative the Biosphere Institute will coordinate alongside local municipalities.
Special thanks to Scott Diehl (The Digital Hobo) and his band, The Climate Changers, for their soul-stirring set that lit up the room—and to speakers Phil Nugent, Keri Martens, and MLA Sarah Elmeligi for sharing their wisdom, leadership, and love for this land.
To listen to or purchase the Climate Changers' music from that night, click here.
To learn more about emergency preparedness in Banff National Park, click here.
Melodies for a resilient future: a Benefit concert for Jasper
Sunday, November 24, 2024 | Canmore artsPlace
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:
ANIMAL PRIDE: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
Thursday, April 10, 2024 | Canmore artsPlace
How is queerness reflected in nature? Why does it matter? How have dominant scientific narratives shaped our understanding of gender and sexuality in the natural world, and what can we learn by looking beyond those assumptions?
Left to right: Tanya Pacholok (she/her), Travis Rider, Rebecca Smith (they/them), and Coralia Sevilla (she/her/ella).
In partnership with Canmore Pride, the Biosphere hosted an evening of rich conversation at the intersection of queerness, environmentalism, and ecological thinking. The event featured a screening of Animal Pride: Nature’s Coming Out Story, a film that challenges conventional ideas about nature and sexuality. Following the screening, a panel of 2SLGBTQIA+ community members from diverse nature-based disciplines—including ecology, outdoor education, and environmental activism—explored how queer perspectives reshape our understanding of the natural world, fostering more inclusive and holistic approaches to science, conservation, and sustainability.
educational paint nights
Douglas fir paint night at artsPlace Canmore.
The Biosphere Institute has partnered with Canmore 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
Digital Hobo (Scott Diehl) and Marten Borch at Canmore Brewing Co.
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!