Course Overview:

In this course, participants will explore creativity and sustainability, learning from each other and harnessing their talents to address the urgent challenges of the climate crisis. Through a series of modules, participants will delve into topics such as understanding the climate emergency, coping with eco-anxiety, drawing inspiration from biomimicry and indigenous knowledge, fostering love for the environment, envisioning utopian futures, practicing mindful living, and celebrating local examples of sustainable practices. By the end of the course, participants will emerge equipped with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to create art that not only reflects the world but also actively contributes to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.

Location: Positive Light Projects, St Sidwell Street, Exeter

Course times: Tuesdays, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Course dates: 10 weeks (1 module a week) - Dates to be confirmed

Price Range: £300 - £400

(Please note that we will cancel the course a fortnight ahead if we don’t have sufficient numbers of participants - Participants will receive a full refund.)

Features: Live talks, personalised feedback, extensive materials, guest speakers, and project-based learning.

Enrolment: Open to creative people of all backgrounds and experience levels. (We believe that everyone is creative and this can include art, craft, cooking, music, writing, performing, gardening, singing, dancing, building, communicating and much more!)

Prerequisites: None, but a passion for creativity and environmental sustainability is encouraged.

Course Modules:

1. Understanding the Climate Emergency

• Explore the scientific basis and societal impacts of the climate crisis.

• Understand the urgency of taking action and the role of artists.

2. Coping with Eco-Anxiety

• Acknowledge and address the psychological toll of environmental degradation.

• Learn strategies for managing eco-anxiety in yourself and others and transforming it into positive action.

3. Fostering Love for the Environment

• Cultivate a deep connection and reverence for nature through creative exploration.

• Explore how art can inspire love and appreciation for the natural world.

4. Drawing Inspiration from Biomimicry

• Learn from nature's design principles and adapt them to creative practices.

• Explore how biomimicry can inspire innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

5. Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Heritage

• Recognise the wisdom of indigenous cultures and their sustainable practices.

• Explore how indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage can inform and enrich artistic expression.

6. Mindful Living and Doing Less

• Cultivate mindfulness and simplicity in daily life and artistic practice.

• Learn how doing less can lead to greater creativity and reduced environmental impact.

7. Envisioning Utopian Futures

• Imagine and manifest a sustainable and equitable future through creative visioning exercises.

• Explore utopian visions as sources of inspiration for transformative action.

8. Examples of Creative Practice

• Examine case studies and examples of artistic projects that address environmental issues.

• Learn from artists who are using their creativity to drive positive change.

9. Celebrating Local Examples of Climate Action

• Discover local initiatives and examples of sustainable practices that artists can draw inspiration from.

• Explore how art can celebrate and amplify local sustainability efforts.

10. Fostering Collective Action

• Understanding the power of collective action in driving environmental change

• Examining successful examples of collectives focused on nature conservation and sustainability

Course Format:

• Delivery: In person interactive workshops, and group discussions.

• Assignments: Creative projects, reflective journaling, and collaborative initiatives.

• Resources: Readings, videos, and guest speakers.

• Community: Networking opportunities.

Additional Information:

• Organisation Website: www.artandenergy.org

• Discussion Forum: Access through the course website for peer interaction and support on https://BuryTheGiant.Club

• Resource Center: Online repository of supplementary materials and tools for project development is available for course participants.

Summary:

Through this course, creative people will not only deepen their understanding of the climate crisis but also develop practical skills and strategies for using their creativity as a force for positive change. By embracing sustainability principles, drawing inspiration from nature and indigenous wisdom, and fostering love for the environment, participants will emerge as empowered agents of change, ready to make a meaningful impact through their art.