Hope is a thing with flippers

This special event aims to connect writers from a range of genres – poetry, creative non-fiction, fiction and journalism – with those working in communities or campaigning for climate justice, to create compelling stories for a future without fossil fuels.

The event will feature activism performances related to aspects of the Fossil Fuel Treaty – a campaign calling for an end to all new oil and gas, a rapid shift to sustainable energy, and a just transition both for oil and gas workers and for nations with less capacity to transition.

This will be a chance for writers to hear from activists working in organisations across Scotland in these three key areas. Why are they so passionate about what they do? What drives them and how can their stories be an inspiration for positive change? For activists, this will be a chance to reach new audiences and consider how we might challenge the narratives perpetuated by the fossil fuel industry.

The event will feature a performance piece ‘Hope is a thing with flippers’ from poet, environmental writer and campaigner Matt Sowerby. Matt’s work skillfully navigates themes of activism, climate anxiety and the stories we tell in our cultural spaces. He is particularly focused on active hope as a mechanism for change.

This will be followed by an interactive workshop by Paperboats centred on guided discussion to explore the motivations and experiences of those who take action for the climate in order to unearth the stories that drive positive and effective change.

Arrive early at 1pm for an optional tour of the museum before the event starts.

Spaces are limited and we’re looking for a good balance of writers and activists. Early booking is essential.

Everyone is welcome at our events.

We know that it’s sometimes difficult for everyone to attend because of unintended barriers. We want to make any necessary adjustments to our events so that no one is excluded. These adjustments will differ from event to event and person to person, so we need your help to get it right. Please inform us of your accessibility requirements for this event during the Eventbrite registration process or get in touch by emailing [email protected] if you would like to provide more information or ask any questions.

You’ll understand that some adjustments may take more time to arrange than others, so we appreciate you giving us as much notice as possible about what you need so that we can support you to get the most out of this event.

Paperboats is a collective of writers focused on nature and environment in a time of climate and ecological breakdown. Scotland-based and global in outlook, they write to affirm the astonishing life of this planet, and how its future may yet be shaped. www.paperboats.org

Green Tease is Creative Carbon Scotland’s ongoing informal events programme connecting cultural practices and environmental sustainability across Scotland. Since 2013 Green Tease has provided a platform for those interested in teasing out the links between the arts, climate change and environmental sustainability through the exchange of ideas, knowledge and practices. Green Tease events are equally open to people from creative and environmental backgrounds and free to attend.

Host or Publisher Creative Carbon Scotland