COP28 Art for Climate Change, a project of Solution17 for Climate Action in partnership with the New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), is set to significantly impact the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference with the Net-Zero Climate Exhibition, Global Climate Pledge and Youth-Driven Climate Solutions towards the greener future.
The exhibition will showcase 17 paintings depicting a climate solution created at the Artnovation Hub in Lagos between August and November 2023. The paintings also portray the COP28 Thematic Areas.
The Climate Arts are organised into seven categories: Climate Education and Innovation, Global Awareness, Climate Finance, Net-Zero Energy Security, Blue Economy, Green Economy, and Circular Economy.
These categories demonstrate a multidimensional approach to climate action, recognising that addressing environmental challenges requires collaboration across diverse fields and perspectives. Integrating arts into these categories adds a creative and engaging dimension, making the message of sustainability more accessible and impactful to a broader audience.
Foluke Michael, the Project Director of CYCDI-Solution17, said that the Artnovation teams initiated a collaborative co-creation session themed “Hack For the Climate” at the Solution17 Virtual Space in August 2023. This thematic focus is an innovative approach to addressing climate-related challenges, bringing together teams to brainstorm, ideate, and develop creative solutions.
“On September 8, 2023, the artnovation housemates, a diverse group comprising Innovators, Technologists, Artists, Entrepreneurs, Poets, Communicators, and Storytellers, participated at the innovation hub to co-create climate solutions and 17 pieces of Art for Climate, aiming to generate widespread awareness and impactful solutions for climate-related issues. The technology-driven platform fostered collaboration, highlighting the intersection of art, innovation, and problem-solving in the context of climate action,” Michael added.
The climate artists created the artworks during a live painting marathon held at the Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park, and other locations in Lagos State. These events witnessed the creation of climate startups and social enterprises from the innovation hub into impactful Art for Climate Change. Noteworthy startups emerging from the hub include Ecoventures by Green Marketplace, ClimaFest, The Book of Acts, EnergyEdu, GreenFoodie, The GreenFood and other creative enterprises dedicated to social impact and profit.
The live session and exhibition in the United Arab Emirates will explore climate change issues through the lens of COP28’s cross-cutting themes: Technology and Innovations, Inclusion, Frontline Communities, and Finance. These sessions foster discussions among academics, students, artists, environmentalists, and organisations.
The artnovation team, led by Creative Director Ayodeji Oluwadare, expressed excitement about the upcoming live event at The Green Zone on COP28 Thematic Day 3, World Climate Action Summit, which will host High-Level speakers and partners.
