The Cultural Ecology seminar series aims to unite activist-academics in the arts to address the pressing question: how can cultural researchers provoke more urgent responses to the climate crisis, particularly in light of inadequate governmental and corporate action? Building on Julian Steward’s concept of cultural ecology—interpreted as culture shaped by environmental adaptation—the series sees cultural ecology as a vital interdisciplinary theme for mobilizing radical cultural change to tackle ecological crises.
The series includes eight events featuring diverse fields like art history, literature, dance, and architecture, focusing on eco-political practices and collaborations with scientists and activists. Key seminars include discussions on reimagining museums for climate action, redefining grief narratives in relation to loss and climate change, and examining the role of art in visualizing climate issues since the 1960s.
Each seminar addresses various sub-questions about the intersection of the arts and the climate crisis, including the potential of artistic practice to inspire systemic change and the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration. As the program aims to foster a communal approach to the climate crisis, it emphasizes an intersectional lens, addressing how ecological destruction intersects with issues of racial injustice, gender inequality, and social class.
Overall, the seminar series is a unique initiative to strengthen cultural responses to the climate crisis and encourage a coordinate approach among various stakeholders in the arts and scientific communities.
