The Art of Climate Change
"The Art of Climate Change" brings together 50 compelling climate protest posters, crafted by students from Western Sydney University's Design and Indigenous Studies programs.
This exhibition delves into critical questions posed by the New Possibilities project, exploring the pivotal role young people play in climate action and democratic renewal.
How It Started
The New Possibilities project is an initiative led by the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University, designed to empower young people in climate advocacy and democratic renewal.
This project is co-directed by Professor Philippa Collin, an expert in youth studies and political sociology, and Dr. Michelle Catanzaro, a creative director and researcher. Together, they focus on harnessing the voices of young Australians to influence climate action and shape a more participatory democracy.
Edge Impact discovered this inspiring initiative during the "100 Climate Conversations" event at the Powerhouse Museum, where Dr. Catanzaro delivered a compelling presentation on the intersection of youth, art, and climate action.
A natural collaboration
With Edge Impact's Sydney office space based at the Greenhouse Tech Hub, Edge Impact seized the unique opportunity to collaborate with the Greenhouse team to infuse the space with dynamic design and art experiences.
This collaboration was a natural fit, aligning perfectly with the mission and values of the Greenhouse. When the chance arose, the Edge team instantly recognised the synergy between the New Possibilities project and the creative, forward-thinking ethos that defines the Greenhouse Tech Hub.
The Project's Evolution
The exhibition at the Greenhouse Tech Hub breathes life into 50 of over 100 submitted climate protest posters, standing as a vibrant testament to the power of collective youth action.
More than just a showcase, this exhibition tracks the evolution of the New Possibilities project, reinforcing its core mission: to inspire hope among young people and amplify their calls for urgent climate action.
This unique cross-industry collaboration has allowed us to bring the project’s dynamic spirit to a broader audience, highlighting the idea that when individual voices come together, they have the power to drive meaningful and lasting change.
As the exhibition continues to evolve, it remains rooted in the original project’s essence - celebrating the creativity, passion, and resilience of young climate advocates, and supporting their relentless pursuit of a sustainable future.
Do you want to be part of The Art of Climate Change?
After donning the Greenhouse walls with student-created art from Western Sydney University, we're now turning our attention to you.
Artworks will be judged and selected by a panel of judges (soon to be announced). Selected posters will be printed and displayed at the Greenhouse, and their creators will be offered an internship with one of our Greenhouse members, as part of our internship program.
About the collaborators:
The Young and Resilient Centre, Western Sydney University
The Young and Resilient Research Centre is dedicated to understanding and enhancing the resilience of young people and their communities. Through participatory research and collaboration, the Centre addresses complex social challenges and fosters resilience among youth. Learn more about their work here.
Edge Impact
Edge Impact is a global impact consultancy specialising in sustainability. We combine technical expertise with a commitment to grassroots initiatives, helping organisations make a positive global impact. Learn more about our work and commitment to sustainability today.
Greenhouse Tech Hub
The Greenhouse Tech Hub is a pioneering space dedicated to climate tech innovation. It provides a collaborative environment for creative solutions to environmental challenges. Discover more about the Greenhouse Tech Hub here.
Jordan Stokes
Creative Director at Edge Impact
Jord is a creative with 15 years of experience working at award-winning agencies of all shapes and sizes in both the UK and Australia. With a focus on branding, art direction and design he has worked with some of the world’s biggest, smallest, most interesting, and most challenging brands.
Always producing outstanding, award-winning creative work. His varied experience influences his approach to briefs; translating ideas into experiences and bringing a brave, thoughtful approach to everything he does. With a true belief in the power of creativity to have a positive impact.
Philippa Collin
Professorial Research Fellow
Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University
She mainly investigates young people’s relationship to democracy; the role of the digital for youth citizenship, health and wellbeing; and, methodological innovations in transdisciplinary, youth-centred and intergenerational research.
Pip previously worked in the NGO sector for Reachout.com and has held research leadership roles with the Young and Well CRC and the Wellbeing, Health and Youth Centre of Research Excellence. Her purpose is to catalyse research that contributes meaningfully to positive social change and planetary justice. Philippa Collin is Professorial Research Fellow at the Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University (WSU) where she co-directs the Young and Resilient Research Centre. Pip is an interdisciplinary social scientist who works at the intersections of political sociology, youth studies, digital cultures and health and wellbeing.
Michelle Catanzaro
Michelle Catanzaro Creative director, researcher, and design Academic
Western Sydney University
Michelle is a Senior Research Fellow and leads the Places and Platforms stream at the Young and Resilient Research Centre where she is pioneering research in climate action and health and wellbeing.
Michelle Catanzaro is a creative director, researcher, and design Academic at Western Sydney University (WSU). Her current pursuits are informed by her formative years in the creative industries as a member of an all-girl punk rock band, live music photographer and designer.
Madison Kuras
Project Officer at Australian Museum’s Climate Solutions Centre
Madison Kuras (she/her) is the Project Officer for the Australian Museum’s Climate Solutions Centre, where she works to increase public engagement in climate solutions through museum exhibitions, programming, and multimedia projects.
Madison’s love of science communication has taken her into the halls of science museums across the globe. From the American Museum of Natural History and Climate Museum in New York City, all the way to the South Georgia Museum off the Antarctic coast, Madison has worked on exhibitions and programmes dedicated to bringing climate information to worldwide audiences. Now at Australian Museum, Madison is exploring how museums can serve as sites for change, and looks to use community engagement to find affirming, decolonized, climate solutions.
Madison holds an M.Phil. in Polar Studies from the University of Cambridge and an M.Litt. in Museum and Heritage studies from the University of St Andrews. She also holds a B.A. in Biology and Environmental Science from Bowdoin College.
Mark Rowland
Chief Collaboration Officer
Greenhouse
Mark was a member of the Board of Directors at Green Our Planet, focusing on teaching students about environmental care through STEM school garden programs. Mark co-founded ROCeteer Inc, a coaching and consulting company for entrepreneurs, and also worked at AFWERX as an Innovation Actualizer, promoting a culture of innovation within the US Air Force.
Mark has also had experience as a seed investor, a CEO at Downtown Project, a cheerleader at Delivering Happiness, a co-founder of StyleTread, and as a Chief Executive Noodle at wagamama. Mark began their career at Coles Group as the General Manager of Strategy & Business Development.
Mark Rowland has a diverse work experience spanning several industries and roles. Mark is currently serving as the Chief Collaboration Officer at Greenhouse, where they are dedicated to supporting climate action and achieving the UN's goals for global warming.
