In the current planetary emergency, where we operate in systems that prioritise economic wealth, material consumption and rapidity, many of us feel disconnected from the natural world. And yet nature is fundamental in almost all aspects of our lives. Our food, our health, global economies, the very air we breathe, are all dependent on natural systems. Many of us have forgotten that as humans we are also part of nature.

At the Natural History Museum our mission is to create advocates for the planet. We aim to instill fascination and love for the natural world, and the motivation to take action to shift this one-sided relationship with nature where we take what we want to serve our needs without restoring and rebalancing. Although our work is founded in science, we know scientific data alone cannot solve the crises we face. Art and activism offer different perspectives, forms of expression, and imagination and creativity that is vital for building meaningful connections and alternative futures.

In this workshop session you are invited to reconnect with nature alongside a small group of artists, activists, and Museum scientists. Each of the below speakers will share stories and inspiration from the natural world, after which you are invited to participate in a facilitated discussion to reflect on our current relationship with nature, and reimagine a more reciprocal, healthier one for our collective futures.

The results and key points of the discussion will be captured by a live illustrator and shared with all attendees of the workshop who have opted-in for email communications.

Facilitator: Kat Hamilton is an artist, activist and organiser, and is Partnerships and Programmes Director at Force of Nature, a youth-led organisation aiming to mobilise mindsets for climate action. Kat has more than 10 years of climate and social justice activism under their belt, and believes in the power of art for movement building and community action.

Selina N Leem is a climate warrior and spoken word artist from Aelōn̄ Kein Ad, now known as the Republic of the Marshall Islands. A self-described “small island girl with big dreams”, Selina was the youngest delegate at the COP21 conference that adopted the Paris Agreement at the age of 18.

Claudia MacGregor is a climate activist with a passion for creative communication, and a Dais speaker at Force of Nature. Her work focuses on constructing narratives that explore transitioning to a socially and environmentally just future, as well as connecting children with nature.

Richard Sabin is Principal Curator of marine mammals in the Vertebrates Division at the Natural History Museum, and specialist advisor to the Defra-funded UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme. He has been working at the Museum for 30 years and has been fascinated by bones and comparative anatomy since he was a child.

This session is most suitable for ages 16+. Any children must be accompanied by an adult.

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