Overcoming Eco-Anxiety Through Creativity
Course Overview:
This course is designed to help individuals understand and manage eco-anxiety, the chronic fear of environmental doom, through creative expression. By engaging in a variety of artistic activities, participants will find therapeutic outlets to process their emotions and transform their anxiety into proactive, positive action. The course will foster a supportive community environment and provide tools for ongoing personal and environmental well-being.
Location: Positive Light Projects, Sidwell Street, Exeter
Course times: Tuesdays, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Course dates: 8 weeks (1 module a week) - 28 Jan, 4 Feb, 11 Feb, 25 Feb, 4 Mar, 11 Mar, 18 Mar, 25 Mar
Price Range: £240 - £320
(Please note that we will cancel the course a fortnight ahead if we don’t have sufficient numbers of participants - Participants will receive a full refund.)
Features: Talks, hands on creativity, reflection time and community building
Target Audience: Individuals experiencing eco-anxiety, environmental activists, creatives, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in using art as a means to cope with environmental concerns. (We believe that everyone is creative and this can include art, craft, cooking, music, writing, performing, gardening, singing, dancing, building, communicating and much more!)
Course Objectives:
Understand the concept of eco-anxiety and its psychological impact on yourself and others.
Explore and practice different creative outlets to manage and overcome eco-anxiety.
Build a supportive community focused on environmental and personal well-being.
Channel eco-anxiety into positive environmental action through creative projects.
Provide a set of ideas, tools and approaches to support yourself and others.
Course Schedule:
Week 1: Introduction to Eco-Anxiety and Creativity
Define eco-anxiety and its effects on mental health.
Discuss the role of creativity in managing anxiety.
An introduction to ‘Active Hope’.
Introduce course structure and expectations.
Week 2: Nature Journaling
Learn about nature journaling as a mindfulness practice.
Begin developing a personal nature journal.
Week 3: Art Therapy and Eco-Anxiety
Explore art therapy techniques to address eco-anxiety.
Create individual art pieces reflecting personal feelings about the environment.
Week 4: Creative Writing and Environmental Storytelling
Utilise creative writing as a tool to process and express eco-anxiety.
Develop skills in environmental storytelling to inspire positive change.
Week 5: Music and Soundscapes
Explore music and soundscapes as therapeutic tools for eco-anxiety.
Create and share personal soundscapes reflecting environmental themes.
Week 6: Movement and Eco-Art
Use movement and eco-art to connect with the environment and manage eco-anxiety.
Engage in collaborative eco-art projects.
Week 7: Community and Collaborative Projects
Develop collaborative projects that address eco-anxiety and promote environmental action.
Strengthen community bonds through joint creative efforts.
Week 8: Reflection and Celebration
Reflect on the journey of overcoming eco-anxiety through creativity.
Celebrate the completed projects and personal growth.
Course Format:
Delivery: In person interactive workshops, and group discussions.
Assignments: Creative projects, reflective journaling, and collaborative initiatives.
Resources: Local and online resources for creative and environmental activities.
Community: Online forums or social media groups for ongoing support.
Textbooks: Recommended reading list on eco-anxiety and creativity.
Course leader:
Name: Chloe Uden
Email: chloe@artandenergy.org
Biography: Chloe Uden is an influential artist and environmental advocate known for her innovative approach to integrating creativity with sustainability. She has dedicated her career to exploring the intersection of art, renewable energy, and community engagement. With a background in both the arts and renewables, Chloe has successfully spearheaded numerous projects that highlight the potential of creative solutions to address climate change.
As a co-founder of The Art and Energy Collective, Chloe has played a pivotal role in developing and promoting solar art installations, which combine solar technology with artistic design to create functional and aesthetically pleasing renewable energy sources. Her work aims to inspire people to think differently about energy production and to see the beauty and potential in sustainable practices.
The Art and Energy Collective specialises in designing mass-participation artworks that seek inspiration from nature and help people engage with energy systems that affect their lives. Their ‘Moths to Flame’ project won The Sustainability First People’s Choice Art Prize and involved over 58,000 people in making an artwork for COP26 The UN Conference on Climate Change. Their current artwork The Mossy Carpet seeks to celebrate the tiny actions that people take to make a better world and explore ‘How to Bury the Giant’ using carbon sequestration and nature positive action.
Chloe Uden is also known for her engaging workshops and public speaking engagements, where she shares her passion for combining art with environmental activism. Through her efforts, she has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of renewable energy and the role of creativity in solving environmental challenges. Her innovative projects and community-driven approach continue to inspire individuals and organisations to embrace sustainability and creativity in their daily lives.
Additional Information:
Organisation Website: www.artandenergy.org
Discussion Forum: Access through the course website for peer interaction and support on https://BuryTheGiant.Club
Resource Center: Online repository of supplementary materials and tools for project development is available for course participants.
Summary:
This course aims to equip participants with creative tools to manage eco-anxiety, fostering a sense of empowerment and community engagement in the process.