Art Beyond Belief
Reconnecting with the Planet
In 2023, Art Beyond Belief partnered with Oxford Diocesan Council for Interfaith Relations in an event focusing on shared faith approaches to climate change and responsibility for the planet. We hosted a follow-on event in Slough, ‘Reconnecting with the Planet’, involving students from Slough and Eton Church of England College, Eden Muslim Girls’ School, St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School and Beechwood School – all in Slough
In advance of this event, we ran sessions in four schools for KS4 students, which was funded by Westhill. Six to eight students from each school took part. Students discussed intergenerational and faith perspectives on climate change, and explored the relationships between mental well-being and green space. They produced iPad-based artworks and photographs which were the focus of further discussion at a combined event to which other students and schools were invited. The students’ artworks were printed and curated as an exhibition at this event which took place at Slough and Eton school, and are a valuable resource.
Discussions at the sessions were wide ranging. One of our discussion starters was a quote from Gus Speth:
In advance of this event, we ran sessions in four schools for KS4 students, which was funded by Westhill. Six to eight students from each school took part. Students discussed intergenerational and faith perspectives on climate change, and explored the relationships between mental well-being and green space. They produced iPad-based artworks and photographs which were the focus of further discussion at a combined event to which other students and schools were invited. The students’ artworks were printed and curated as an exhibition at this event which took place at Slough and Eton school, and are a valuable resource.
Discussions at the sessions were wide ranging. One of our discussion starters was a quote from Gus Speth:
"I used to think the top global environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. I thought that with 30 years of good science we could address these problems. But I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy, and to deal with these we need a spiritual and cultural transformation, and we scientists don't know how to do that."
On the subject of responsibility, it was interesting to hear students confirm that they do tend to hold the boomer generation responsible, but without personal blame – they believe the important thing now is that we all work together, and fast, and hold governments and corporates to account as well as doing our own part as best we can.
Students brought diverse moral and belief perspectives to the discussions, with agreement that we owe the planet and each other a moral obligation. Discussing moral imperatives from a faith perspective was new to some of the group.
Most of the students were very aware of the implications for mental and physical wellbeing of green space, and the lack of it, and also the effects on metal wellbeing of climate crisis generally. They were happy to discuss their thoughts and feelings on the future - and not just the future of the planet!
For more info please see: www.art-beyond-belief.com, or email David Sparrow.
