The Lagos State Government has initiated a groundbreaking endeavour called “The Art for Climate Change” project, which harnesses the power of creative art to confront climate-related challenges, cultivate awareness, and encourage action through artistic expression.
In collaboration with the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative – Solution17 for Climate Action and New York University, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Lagos State Government is embarking on a mission to raise consciousness about climate change and galvanise action through the medium of art.
At a press conference held in Ikeja on Thursday to herald the commencement of the Art for Climate Project, Mr. Gaji Omobolaji, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, revealed the core essence of the initiative. He outlined that artists hailing from Lagos would collaborate with tech innovators, experts in relevant fields, students from New York University, Abu Dhabi, and the Universities Climate Network United Arab Emirates (UAE) to collaboratively devise innovative solutions to issues linked to key thematic areas relevant to COP28. These solutions will then be portrayed through artistic creations.
Omobolaji stressed that the Art for Climate Change project has a dual purpose: fostering environmental sustainability awareness and initiating a series of events, including a co-creation innovation hub, live marathon painting events, dialogue series, and exhibitions. These platforms aim to spark discussions surrounding the critical subject of environmental preservation.
He emphasised, “We collectively aspire that this initiative will trigger discussions about the roles of art, culture, and civic development in addressing global challenges and influencing policies.”
He added, “The Art for Climate Change project builds upon a previous collaboration between the Lagos State Government and The Vision of the Child (VoTC), under which the esteemed Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, mentored thousands of young artists and poets aged 8 to 12 between 2012 and 2019. Impressively, four award-winning VoTC artists will depict tech-driven climate action solutions on 17 canvases in both Lagos and NYU Abu Dhabi to champion COP28.”
The portrayal of these canvases and the projects they encapsulate will be effectively communicated through potent storytelling methods encompassing documentaries, film productions, music, and exhibitions. The overarching goal is to enhance awareness and contribute to shaping policies and decision-making processes during COP28 and beyond.
COP28 UAE is scheduled to take place at the Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The conference aspires to assemble a diverse array of participants, including government officials, industry leaders, academics, experts, and youth, to assess the global strides towards achieving the objectives outlined in the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
Foluke Michael, the CEO and Project Director of Solution17, detailed the timeline of activities, which encompasses Pre-Art Innovation 1 & 2—sessions where artists and technologists will converge for creative brainstorming in Lagos. Other activities include live painting marathons, physical exhibition spaces, private exhibitions, and special viewings.
Mrs. Abosede George, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investments in Lagos, emphasised the expansive significance of the SDGs, which not only pertain to individuals but also encapsulate the environmental milieu surrounding them. She implored the citizens of Lagos State to be steadfast in nurturing a culture of sustainability for the safety and well-being of all.
