Our Mission
The Arts & Climate Initiative uses storytelling and live performance to foster dialogue about our global climate crisis, create an empowering vision of the future, and inspire people to take action. Operating on the principle that complex problems must be addressed through collaborative efforts, we work with artists across disciplines and geographic borders, solicit input from researchers in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, and actively seek community and educational partners.
Our Story
In 2008, the Arts & Climate Initiative (formerly the Arctic Cycle) established itself as a pioneer, harnessing the power of theatre to address climate change issues. Since then, we have continued to carve a unique place for ourselves within the artistic and scientific communities, creating a much-needed disciplinary bridge, engaging with hundreds of artists and scientists, and inspiring as many audiences from all walks of life. Through our various initiatives, we have created a model for the field and beyond, inspired radical life changes among citizens, and shown that we can address pressing social and environmental issues in novel ways using art as a catalyst.
The projects and programs of the Arts & Climate Initiative are characterized and driven by:
A search for new aesthetics, presentational formats, and production models that transcend the legacy of patriarchy and extractivism;
A commitment to promoting marginalized and underrepresented voices and narratives, including those of women, people of color, Indigenous and First Nations people, and other frontline communities;
A dedication to fighting for climate justice;
A need to bear witness to a rapidly changing world and uncover strategies to cope with the inevitable disruptions associated with it;
A vision to bridge the local and the global, by encouraging local community-building and organizing on a coordinated, global scale;
Efforts to reach audiences outside of traditional theatre venues;
A desire to lift the entire field by freely sharing resources and best practices with other artists, arts educators, and arts organizations.
Land Acknowledgement
The Arts & Climate Initiative is located on the island of Manhattan in New York City, or what is traditionally known as Mannahatta. We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Lenape People who have stewarded this land and these waters through the generations. And we extend our respect to Indigenous People everywhere.
To know which land you are on, visit Native-Land.ca.