New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has teamed up with Creative Youth Community Development Initiative - Solution17 for Climate Action to help accelerate the race to a better world, a zero carbon and resilient world through Literary Art and Painting- Art for Climate Change at NYUAD.
The Art for Climate Change is a follow-up to the MOU signed earlier in the year between New York University Abu Dhabi and COP28 UAE, which looks to strengthen the university work in the lead-up to the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties #COP 28, with focus on Knowledge-sharing, Climate Action and Youth Engagement.
COP28 Director General HE Amb. Majid Al Suwaidi and New York University Abu Dhabi Vice Chancellor Mariët Westermann signed the MoU to increase cooperation between the COP28 Presidency and higher education institutions towards an inclusive, solutions-oriented climate conference.
The artists will showcase the problems, effects, solutions and actions to arrive at the desired future and drive a massive campaign to reach the destination faster.
The youth-oriented activities connect youth across borders and amplify Art For Climate Change at NYU Abu Dhabi. The artists will collaborate with the students of NYUAD and Tech, Innovators and the Universities Climate Network UAE to co-create innovative projects around the key COP28 topics depicted in ART on 17 CANVASES.
In 2020, Art for Climate garnered support from United Nations; UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed launched the project. In 2021, the project received support from the British High Commission in Lagos, United Nations in Nigeria and the Italian Consulate General in Lagos towards COP26.
Art for Climate Change at NYUAD is part of UAE Global Outreach in disseminating cultural and artistic activities on climate change and renewable energy.
The project begins in August 2023 with the onboarding of project actors to ArtNovation Hub in Nigeria, followed by Live marathon painting in Lagos and Abu Dhabi, New York University Dialogue Series in October, and Net-Zero Carbon Exhibition during COP28.
The event will spark conversation ahead of COP28 on the role of Art, Culture, and Citizenship Development in proffering solutions to global issues, Poverty Reduction, Economic Growth, a Healthy Environment, and Liveable Societies.
The project began in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2012 with The Vision of the Child (VoTC). Prof Wole Soyinka mentored thousands of young ARTISTS and POETS, ages 8 and 12. The children
researched, interpreted and developed different poetry, painting, dance and music themes between 2012 and 2019.
Four award-winning VoTC Artists will depict Climate Change in Art at NYUAD to promote COP28.
The Art for Climate Change will be communicated in powerful storytelling via documentary, film production, music and exhibition to create awareness and contribute to policy shaping and decision-making during COP28 and Beyond.
COP28 UAE will hold at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The Conference is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors.