This choice reflects the objective of another one of my choices - the Future Wales Fellowship project - to broaden our understanding of nature and our relationship with it. In September last year RSPB Cymru partnered with a live music venue in Cardiff - Paradise Garden - to host an evening of music to inspire conversations about the nature crisis in Wales. This event featured alternative live music by artists Ya Yonder and Teddy Hunter, a DJ set by Ginny Darke and live visuals by Chameleonic. 

Poster with a feather and white text over a nature photography background.
Poster for Paradise Garden presents 'natur(e)'

There are several reasons why I chose this small project. First, it reminded me of a fantastic gig I went to in Newport a few years ago called Make Noise. This gig was part of an electronics recycling tour of the UK and instead of paying an entrance fee, everyone was required to bring an electronics item for recycling. The idea of using music to encourage conversations about wider issues was one that really appealed to me. Of course, this is nothing new but still, it remains relevant and powerful. Secondly, it complemented something I stressed earlier which is the importance of working together and pushing boundaries. 

Wales Arts International does a great deal of excellent work to encourage and support artists to work across geographical boundaries to ensure that our culture continues to develop. Projects such as 'Natur(e)' also work across traditional boundaries to encourage the same kind of productive conversations. While this was just one event, it was one that provided a glimmer of hope and inspiration for those of us who are looking for ‘small things’ we can do to celebrate creativity and nature while also continuing to advance the conversation around the climate crisis. Neither RSPB Cymru nor Paradise Garden received any sponsorship or financial support from the Arts Council or Wales Arts International for this project. 

 

Websites and social media  

Website: www.rspb.org.uk/wales 

Instagram: @rspbcymru @paradisegardencdf @ya_yonder @_teddyhunter @ginny.darke @chameleonic 

X: @RSPBCymru @ya_yonder @_teddyhunter @ginnydarke @chameleonic  

 

Ani Glass is our guest curator for #PethauBychain 2024. Read about the theme she chose and the other selected projects here:

#PethauBychain 2024