Launch of Climate Conversations to celebrate World Ocean Day in Honiton

To celebrate World Ocean Day on 8 June, Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) and East Devon District Council will launch a new climate campaign - Climate Conversations.

The programme opens with a major multi-site new exhibition of the work of artist Mike Perry at THG in Honiton.

Climate Conversations has been developed against the context of East Devon District Council's commitment to Devon's Climate Change Emergency declaration and Exeter University's declaration of an environment and climate emergency.

The aim is that through the lens of arts and culture, Climate Conversations can help us discover different perspectives and create new opportunities to help us understand and adapt to our changing planet.

Mike Perry Land/Sea (Tir/Môr) is a major multi-site solo exhibition by Wales-based artist Mike Perry. The works draw our attention to the growing environmental crisis at home, probing questions about our activity and inactivity.

The Climate Conversation project includes new free resources developed by Resource Futures:

How can I reduce, reuse and recycle?

What does energy efficiency mean to me?

What is the role of Nature Reserves and green spaces?

Sustainable food systems – where does it all go?

Local communities are invited to creatively explore the climate emergency through events, workshops, volunteering opportunities and online resources.

Working with partners Wild East Devon and University of Exeter, the initiative will help to engage with complex issues and make real, sustainable changes by bringing communities together in a shared challenge.

Mike Perry will lead an informal Q&A from the Creative Cabin in the THG garden on 8th June. The artist will share his research and practice through works in his exhibition, highlighting degradation of ecosystems on land and in our oceans.

Later this summer, 'Art Dayz' family-friendly art activities will take place on Exmouth's seafront and in the Creative Cabin with Exmouth artist Anna Fitzgerald, sand artist Paul Burton and storyteller Jaz Brown. Families will be invited to have a go at making seaweed pressings, drawing labyrinths in the sand and making sand body casts!

The Creative Cabin will be also out and about delivering outdoor activities and workshops to schools, colleges and community/family groups across East Devon and in the THG garden.

THG Curator, Ruth Gooding said: "We are excited to launch this important campaign with a new exhibition by Mike Perry in both Honiton and Exmouth.

"Perry's work really does help us to reflect on the scale of the climate challenge and the complexity of the issues. Art can give us new perspectives and help start a conversation.

"The public programme for Climate Conversations is in development and we look forward to building relationships in the local community.

East Devon District Councillor Marianne Rixson, Portfolio Holder Climate Action and Emergencies commented: "East Devon is committed to Devon's declaration of a climate emergency and we are excited to launch our first public programme Climate Conversations.

"We hope to inspire local communities by exploring the climate emergency through the lens of art and culture. We hope lots of conversations will be had!"

Climate Conversations is funded by East Devon District Council and Art Council England.

8 June (World Ocean Day)

10am-5pm, Mike Perry Land/Sea exhibition opening - Ocean, Queen's Drive, Exmouth.

2 - 3pm, Q&A with Mike Perry - Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton.

Mike Perry Land/Sea (Tir/Mor)

20 May - 14 August: Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton

8 June - 14 August: Ocean, Exmouth

7 August: Curator's Tour with THG Curator Ruth Gooding - Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton.

For more information and times, click here for the Thelma Hulbert Gallery What's On page.