On Saturday 1 February CMAG hosted our first Youth Climate Forum. This event was in association with the exhibition, High-Vis Futures, a collaboration between artists Alexander Boynes and Mandy Martin with sound by Tristen Parr. The Forum provided a great afternoon of networking, brainstorming, connecting and expressing ideas.

Our MC Aoibhinn Crimmins who is part of the School Strike 4 Climate committee introduced Professor Will Steffen, ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and Environment Kate Auty and Australian National University PhD candidate Aaron Tang who generously shared insights into their work on climate science and sustainability.

Mandy Martin and Alexander Boynes took everyone through their exhibition Hi-Vis Futures which got everyone talking over afternoon tea before heading into the intensive workshop / brain storming session.

Aoibhinn and our youth mentors Imogen and Astrid supported the group discussions.

The day generated a range of ideas and solutions going forward. Here is a snapshot of what was discussed:

Participation:

• Everyone can get involved
• Do one small action everyday
• Education is important for both young and old
• Share your knowledge
• Set a good example
• Art provides a platform to showcase difficult ideas
• Show what you have done
• Start conversations
• Care over convenience

Encouraging the Disengaged:

• Encouraging empathy
• Increasing awareness
• Help people feel they can make a difference
• Consider the positive or negative impact of messages and find a balance
• Engage older generations
• Empathy in leadership
• Grassroots action causing major changes
• Working together across the political spectrum

Connecting with people’s values to create change:

• Cultural identity as one inclusive of valuing and connecting with environment
• Working closely with Indigenous communities

Many people connected after the event to join organisations like the School Strike 4  Climate group.

Here are some links to get involved and help care for country:

School Strike 4 Climate:

National page

Their local Canberra team can be reached at canberraschoolstrike4climate@gmail.com

Instagram: @climatestrikecanberra

Facebook: Canberra - School Strike 4 Climate

Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC)

Landcare

Conservation Council

Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network

We’d love you to keep in touch and share your ideas on future programming that supports young people on climate issues going forward.

Let us know what you think on Instagram @canberramuseumandgallery or Facebook