Introduction:
Future Neighbourhood 2030 is a funding programme, launched by the Mayor of London.
The aim of the programme is to tackle some of London’s defining environmental challenges, including the climate emergency and toxic air quality.
When our borough, RBKC, announced that Notting Dale is one of two neighbourhoods in London that were shortlisted for the funding, we were asked if we wanted to submit a proposal for a project to be included in the bid for funding. We submitted a project brief and the bid for funding was successful.
Our project was to run a series of eco friendly art and craft workshops, which includes, nature themed talks and walks, to raise awareness on the local and global environmental issues and climate emergency concerns and produce artwork, poetry and pros that is inspired by nature.
Our Art for Nature project, as part of the Notting Dale Future Neighbourhood 2030 Programme, is divided into two interlocking phases:
The art of Sustainability and Creativity for Change.
The first phase of our project was the art of sustainability, where we inspired the participants to reduce waste, reuse items for different purposes than their original function instead of disposing them and recycle anything that can be recycled in a creative way.
The Art of Sustainability Workshops
Art of sustainability workshops, started on 13th May and ended on July 8th2023. During the workshop, participants adorned plastic bottles, glass bottles, tin cans, and similar items, transforming discarded objects into both functional and aesthetically pleasing creations.
They utilized plastic containers for crafting window boxes, repurposing them to grow herbs and flowers while engaging in conversations about tackling plastic pollution and minimizing waste overall.
Participants not only engaged in individual artistic exploration but also came together to create collective paintings that reflect the shared creativity and inspiration of the group. These collaborative artworks serve as vibrant expressions of our collective vision, blending diverse perspectives and techniques into harmonious compositions that celebrate the beauty of nature and the power of a community in unison.
Alongside the collective endeavours, participants also had the opportunity to express their unique voices through individual paintings and written words, allowing for personal exploration and self-expression within the supportive and nurturing environment of our workshops.
Click on the image to read the text
Click on the individual image above to read text
Workshop attendees of all ages, embarked on a transformative journey, discovering the hidden potential within everyday materials destined for the bin. As they delved into the art of repurposing, a wave of creativity swept through the room, fueled by the realisation that trash could be transformed into treasure!
Examples of what people did
with disposable plastic containers
Guided by our instructions, participants explored innovative techniques to breathe new life into discarded items. With each discarded tin can, bottle, or food packaging, they unearthed endless possibilities, learning to see beauty where others saw only waste destined for the bin. Through hands-on demonstrations and collaborative activities, they embraced the challenge of turning waste into useful objects, igniting their imagination and sparking a newfound appreciation for sustainable living.
Growing mustard cress in a small cake tray
Parsley
Creativity for change workshops
From clay sculptures to recycled paper and cardboard crafts, our workshops offered a hands-on experience that celebrates the art of mindful creation.
Incorporating nature themes into their creations, participants tapped into the beauty and inspiration of the natural world. Moulded by hand, each clay sculpture became a canvas for their connection to the earth, as they crafted intricate leaf-shaped dishes, delicate flowers, and whimsical trees and figurines.
Drawing from the textures, colours, and shapes found in nature, they infused their artwork with a sense of harmony and reverence for the environment, weaving sustainability into every stroke and curve.
As the workshops progressed, participants experienced the joy of creating with intention and purpose, knowing that their creations not only served a practical or simply decorative function but also carried a powerful message of conservation and environmental responsibility.
Through their hands-on exploration of eco-friendly artistry, they discovered the transformative power of creativity and the boundless potential of repurposed materials to inspire positive change in the world around them.
Overall, there was a multifaceted pride experienced by the participants of all ages , stemming from their achievements, environmental impact, connection to nature, community engagement, and personal growth. It served as a powerful motivator to continue their journey of creative expression and sustainability.
Christmas brought a whole new chapter to our workshops when participants were asked to craft Christmas decorations from clay and cardboard, infusing the festive season with sustainable creativity and handmade charm.
These eco-friendly ornaments, moulded with care and adorned with intricate details, brought warmth and joy to the Christmas tree in our workshop, while highlighting our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Exhibition
Welcome to our eco-conscious art exhibition, where imagination knows no bounds and sustainability takes centre stage.
As we concluded our noteworthy workshops, we showcased the culmination of our eco-friendly art and craft journey, to reflect on the beauty, innovation, and inspiration found in each piece. From recycled sculptures to nature-inspired paintings and clay dishes, our collective creativity has flourished, illuminating the path towards a more sustainable and harmonious future.
As we dismantled most of the exhibition’s installation to prepare the room for other functions, we left some of the works on the shelves in the hope that these works of art may continue to spark conversations, ignite passion, and serve as a testament to the transformative power of creativity and conservation.
Visitors to our exhibition explored a vibrant showcase of artwork, crafted with passion and purpose. Each piece telling a unique story of innovation and environmental stewardship. Although as the saying goes “A picture is worth a thousand words” these pictures don’t capture the atmosphere of the actual room. However, they may help you to embark on a journey through a gallery filled with awe-inspiring creations, celebrating the the magnificence of the natural world and the influential capacity of artistic expression to instigate beneficial transformation.
As part of our mission to champion climate change education, we have released a brief letter inviting local artists to embrace sustainable and environmentally conscious practices in their work. To read the letter click here
We also intend to publish a book featuring both the artwork and written statements contributed by the participants and are currently in the editing phase of the book.
You can flick through the PDF version of our Art for Nature Book Here:
