‘Art can change the world’…

The jury on this may still be out. But as we teeter on the brink of one of humanity’s greatest trials yet, ART+CLIMATE=CHANGE 2019 is firmly in the believer camp.

This festival of thought-provoking exhibitions and events across Australia’s East Coast, is on now until late June. Linking experts in the arts with some of the foremost researchers in climate and environmental science, the initiative provides a platform for prominent thinkers to share their reflections on the cultural, philosophical and psychological consequences of climate change.

One of the world’s foremost wilderness photographers, Peter Dombrovski is currently being honoured through Dombrovskis: journeys into the wild at Monash Gallery of Art in Wheelers Hill, Melbourne. The showcase features nearly 80 of the iconic photographer’s images – you might recognise the one above, which Bob Brown (later to become Leader of the Greens Party) used in the ‘No Dams’ campaign to save the Franklin River.

‘Dombrovskis’s ability to capture the sublime beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness led to his work becoming synonymous with the Tasmanian Wilderness conservation movement,’ says MGA Director Anouska Phizacklea. ‘Dombrovskis once commented, ‘photography is, quite simply, a means of communicating my concern for the beauty of the Earth.’ His work was his voice and it powerfully evoked his passion for the environment which inspired the nation to work for its protection. MGA is thrilled to have an opportunity to showcase Dombrovskis’s practice to Victorian audiences, and to inspire a new generation to embrace his unique vision and celebrate his legacy.’

Also at MGA is Katrin Koenning’s Swell, an exhibition of evocative photography highlighting what is at stake of being lost and deciphering the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. But there are more than 30 art exhibitions in total, from Noosa to Geelong, including artists Dr Vera Möller, John Wolseley, Mulkin Wirrpanda,  Joanna Mott, Anne Zahalka, David Keeling, and Arts Projects Australia to name but a few.

Browse the full program of exhibitions, keynotes, talks and theatre performances. While you are at it, take a close look at the Festival’s logo; it represents data from the Australia Bureau of Meteorology for rainfall, wind speed, and max./min. temperatures in Melbourne for 2018!