Climate change workshops are to be held in an Inverness cafe bringing a creative approach to the global crisis
The Inverness vegetarian cafe and bike workshop Velocity is to work in tandem with north artist Morag Smith to explore the climate crisis through art, writing and discussion.
The collaboration is part of the work of the Highland Community Waste Partnership of which Velocity is a founding member.
There will be a series of six workshops entitled A Creative Approach to Climate Change at Velocity’s Stephens Street premises.
Using art, writing and discussion, participants will be invited to explore different aspects of the climate crisis on Tuesdays from 6.00 – 8.30pm. The workshops can be attended as a block or as individual sessions.
The workshops will aim to raise awareness of the crisis, to explore what climate change is, and what the solutions are. They are an invitation to look at the inequalities and biodiversity loss, learn how to manage eco-anxiety, and increase our resilience and discover what we can do that will make a difference said a spokesperson.
All materials will be provided. A variety of mark making techniques, reflective writing exercises and discussion will be used to explore the themes and discover more about ourselves and how we feel about the climate crisis.
Velocity Café & Bicycle Workshop are one of the founding members of the Highland Community Waste Partnership which aims to build a movement for more sustainable consumption across the Highlands.
The partnership is working to reduce waste and promote climate consciousness and climate action in communities across the Highlands.
Clare Sterritt, project officer from Velocity Café & Bicycle Workshop said, “We are looking forward to running this series of workshops with Morag, and excited about holding a space to support creativity and imagination when it comes to tackling the complex and dynamic issues surrounding the climate crisis.”
Morag Smith, contemporary abstract artist said, “A creative approach to exploring these difficult issues allows us to physically and emotionally be fully present for the duration of the workshop… to not be thinking of the past or the future but of the here and now.
“Creativity can open our minds to other possibilities and new ways of thinking, and importantly allow us to play and have fun. No experience is necessary as it is the creative process and journey that is more important.”
The Highland Community Waste Partnership is a community-led initiative aiming to reduce waste and build a movement for more sustainable consumption in line with a Net Zero future. It will do this by focusing on key issues, including reducing food waste, tackling single use items, and increasing the use of pre-loved, repaired and shared goods, instead of new purchases.
If you are interested or have any questions, please email HCWP@velocitylove.co.uk
