Food shortages. Heatwaves. Floods. Pandemics. When we think about climate catastrophe, the images that come to mind are of overwhelming natural phenomena. But how do we imagine ourselves, and our human responses, within these events?
Here in the Northern Territory, as in many places, the existing disaster relief plans are military in character: a top-down chain of command marshalling the passive masses. But these catastrophes ultimately happen to communities, and the social destruction wrought by disasters can be as devastating as the physical. So perhaps there is room for communities to lead their own unique and creative responses to catastrophe led by cultural leaders, artists, local residents, emergency services staff, and a smattering of business, research and community partners.
Join us.
We enthusiastically invite you to be part of our first workshop in person or online to unpack:
What a refuge is in a climate crisis?
How can this look in the NT?
We have 2 workshop times available, with each running 3 hours and delicious vegan food will be provided for those in person (sorry remote friends!). In that time we will have different creative activities that will support our thinking and getting to know each other. We will leave the workshop with a plan of what Final Place of Refuge can look like, who is involved and the next steps.
For inspiration, see what our mates down south have been doing in this space by clicking the Arts House link below.
We hope that your workplace will be supportive of this project, they may become important partners as it unfolds. The project is yet to be funded, but If you are an independent artist we will be offering an honorarium of $250 for your time.
Please let us know if you’d like any further information. Zoom link provided upon registration.
For more information, visit darwincommunityarts.org.au
Image: MASS MOVEMENT by Latai Taumoepeau, photo by Teresa Tan from Arthouse, Refuge (2021)
