The 2024 Arts & Climate Incubator

The Arts & Climate Incubator is a 5-day intensive for artists, activists, scientists, students, and educators who want to engage or further their engagement with climate change through artistic practices. This year, we are thrilled to offer the program in partnership with the Climate Imaginarium, a consortium of climate arts and storytelling organizations leveraging our collective power to imagine transformative and regenerative futures. All sessions will take place on the Harlem campus of Columbia University in New York City.

Part think tank, part workshop, the Incubator brings together 15 to 20 participants of all ages and backgrounds to investigate the potential of the arts in creating a more just and regenerative future. Participants interact with guest speakers from fields such as climate science, psychology, activism, and urban design, who provide expertise on local issues. A group of local artists working at the intersection of arts and climate is invited for a panel discussion. The rest of the time is divided between group conversations, creative exercises, and field outings. Topics tend to include:

• Assessing where we are as artists and as a society
• Learning about local climate challenges
• Centering climate and environmental justice
• Creating work that acknowledges loss but leaves room for the possibility of a thriving and inclusive future
• Embracing climate grief as a path towards hopeful engagement
• Increasing personal and collective resilience
• Engaging communities in climate action

Note: The Incubator is not structured to support the development of individual works. It is a space to explore ideas, deepen our collective thinking, challenge and support each other in expanding our reach and impact, and create community.

All disciplines are welcome and individuals from traditionally underrepresented populations and communities are encouraged to attend. The Incubator is an inclusive environment that supports diverse perspectives. There is a limit of 20 participants. Availability is on a first come, first serve basis.

We have a limited number of scholarships available to full-time university students. Scholarships cover the cost of tuition; participants are still responsible for their travel and accommodation. More information is available on our website.

Host or Publisher Arts & Climate Initiative