Everything is connected
“…a poignant reminder that our existence is intertwined with the broader fabric of nature—an interconnectedness that necessitates acknowledgment, reverence, and concerted action for a more sustainable and harmonious future” Mia – rapporteur
Taking inspiration from the idea that everything is connected in the human and natural world, the Cultural Programme produced and promoted a vibrant season of public events and conversations across the city of Oxford. Everything is Connected was a two-month programme of extraordinary public shared experiences including internationally renowned installations, exhibitions, artist led workshops, performances, talks, commissioned poetry and new writing.
Working with partners from across the University, local cultural organisations, international artists, environmentalists, and poets the programme encouraged people to participate fully, acknowledging the mutually beneficial relationship between humans and the environment and presenting nature as an essential component of our everyday lives.
Inspired by research
Oxford research sat at the heart of the programme which created a platform to share the important work from researchers across the collegiate University, providing exciting opportunities to engage new audiences. Drawing upon the Environmental Humanities academics, artist and activists came together for a series of In Conversations, each one concluding with a poem commissioned exclusively for that event.
The power of partnerships
Local voices and organisations came together to produce a powerful programme that took used a creative response to put a spotlight on pressing environmental issues reaching over 8000 participants.
Highlights included three art installations – Pollution Pods by Michael Pinsky in partnership with St John’s College, Oxford, Warning Notes by Mark Anderson in, partnership with OCM at Florence Park, and Tell It, to the Birds by Jenny Kendler, in partnership with, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
A powerful partnership with The Story Museum featured the commission of three authors, with workshops and conversation events running throughout the series – including additional events with poet and activist Ben Okri, and two sold out family performances from local musician, Nick Cope.
A sold-out series of Natural Dye and ethical fashion workshops in partnership with the Ashmolean Museum, led by artist Kate Turnbull followed by an exhibition to showcase the participants work.
“Birdsong wakes me up every morning, a chorus at dawn, birds singing to one another, reminding me every morning that I too am alive. Nature, constantly showing us we’re alive” Fragments by Selina Nwulu, commissioned for Everything is Connected
