British Council and Black Mountains College are proud to present an innovative online learning programme that brings together creative practitioners from the UK and Wider Europe to address one of our time's most pressing challenges.
Climate Adaptation for Creatives is a pioneering six-month programme running until March 2025, designed to empower artists and creative professionals to lead climate action within their communities. This unique partnership combines British Council's international reach with Black Mountains College's expertise in climate education and creative practice.
Situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Black Mountains College brings Welsh excellence in environmental education to this international stage. The programme features ten intensive fortnightly sessions, complemented by hands-on activity and resources that participants can explore between meetings.
The inaugural cohort includes over 50 participants from across the UK and Wider Europe, representing countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. All creative disciplines are represented with performers and authors to digital artists and cultural administrators involved.
Programme Highlights:
- Practical climate literacy development
- Understanding climate scenarios and their local impact
- Exploring arts-driven climate solutions
- Peer-led experiential learning
The initiative was showcased at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan earlier in the year. A fantastic platform to highlight the commitment from the British Council and Black Mountains College to foster international collaboration in addressing climate challenges through creative practice.
"The main aim of this programme is for participants to apply knowledge in the practical context of the real world," explains Natalia Eernstman, Public Education and Creative Practice Lead and Short Course Director at Black Mountains College. "They are supercharging their ability to respond to the challenges of these times in a creative way, reimagining the practice of arts and seeding stories for positive futures"
The course will conclude with an open symposium showcasing practical projects, check back here for updates from the participants.
The programme continues the work of the British Council in supporting creative solutions to global challenges through fostering global international cultural connections between Wales, the wider UK, and beyond.