Creative Climate: Amplifying the voices of Indonesia for Great Big Green Week in Oxfordshire
Events that took place from 22 Sept – 1st October
The climate crisis is happening right now, with countries in Southeast Asia being most vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions. Sea levels are rising faster in Southeast Asia than elsewhere, and shorelines are retreating in coastal areas where 450 million people live. Nineteen of the 25 cities most exposed to a one-metre sea-level rise are in Asia.
Indonesia is one of the largest coal producers & coal exporters globally, with coal mines causing devastating human & environmental damage. Deforestation for palm oil and excessive mining for natural resources is prevalent in Indonesia. Bali in Indonesia is the host of G20 summit for 2022, with discussions taking place in November. Global Heath, Digital Transformation, and Sustainable Energy Transition are the three main topics that are being discussed this year.
From an idea conceived by Feng Ho, with assistance from Munir Al Sachroni, Malcolm Atkins and One Planet Abingdon, they have brought together a program of art, activism and discussion to Oxfordshire for Great Big Green Week.
‘Creative Climate’ is a showcase of work from artists living in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. Where many forms of protest are restricted, art is used to raise awareness, express anger, and voice resistance.
Art of Protest at One Planet Abingdon is a showcase of photographs that documents the activism of an Indonesian Environmental group – Fossil Free Jogja.
Outsider Art at the Westbury People’s Gallery features paintings by Indonesian Artist – Munir Al Sachroni, which depicts his reflections of climate chaos in Java.
Confluence Cafe at St Mary & St John’s Church Littlemore will feature live performances & discussions by Indonesian art collective – Kelas Bebas, that will be connected digitally over Zoom.
Climate and Arts: Can the arts support work on climate change? online panel discussion with speakers Cerulean (Cerulean Sounds, UK), Ellie Monk (Green Arts Oxfordshire Network, UK), Roberto M. Saco (Life=H2O, USA) and Munir Al Sachroni (Soboman 219 Art Space, Indonesia).
‘I am inspired by the creativity that activists in Indonesia have harnessed to drive through the message of Climate Chaos. We often think protests as being ‘noisy’ and ‘disruptive’ but sometimes the quieter protests can be just as powerful. I want to amplify the voices of those living on the frontline of the climate crisis, especially those from the Southeast Asian communities, who are among the most vulnerable to climate change.’ Feng Ho, organiser
Art of Protest One Planet Abingdon, County Hall Museum, Abingdon Market Place, 22-24 Sept, 10am – 4pm
Outsider Art Westbury Peoples Gallery, 1 Westbury Crescent, Cowley. Throughout September: Tues & Thurs 5-6pm, Sat & Sun 2 – 4pm.
Climate and Arts: Can the arts support work on climate change?, organised by Oxford Climate Alumni Network online, 27th Sept, 8 – 9pm
Confluence Cafe St Mary & St John’s Church, Littlemore, 1 Oct, 2.30 – 5pm
