Art & democracy: Art as Resistance to Climate Crisis

Welcome to the first seminar of the series called “Art and Democracy” where we aim to focus on art as an independent force within a democratic society.

In this seminar, we explore how the rising temperatures and melting glaciers transcends the climate crisis while raising important questions. Who is climate action really for – Are we preserving life, or merely upholding the status quo? If our systems thrive on destruction, how can we envision a different future? Yet, the climate struggle is not just about loss – it embodies resistance, which is driven by communities, artists, and activists who refuse to be silenced.

In our panel, we’ll feature artists from different disciplines while considering how art can be a transformative force. We invite you to reflect on these ideas as we discuss how art can inspire and drive change in our commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

Program:

17:00 – Doors Open and welcoming speech by the director of Nordic House, Sabina Westerholm.

17:15 – 18:15 – Screenings:
The Worm (17 min) – Garðar Þór Þorkelsson
To See Without Man (23 min) – Ingrid Bjørnaali and Viktor Pedersen
The Value of Forests (24 min) – Ronan

18:15 – 18:30 – Short break
18:30 – 19:15 – Panel Discussion & Q&A

19:15 – Late – Refreshments & Informal Discussion

Panelists: 

Daria Testo (she/her) curator and storyteller

Garðar Þór Þorkelsson (he/him) documentary director and editor

Ingrid Bjørnaali (she/her) multidisciplinary artist

Ronan (he/they) cameraperson and activist

Þorgerður Ólafsdóttir (she/her) visual artist

This panel will be moderated by Sigrún Perla Gísladóttir (she/her)