Ecology & Action Magazine

A local artist collective raises awareness and funds to fight against the development of an urban wild space in Halifax Regional Municipality. Find out how art and environmental activism are galvanizing support to save Sandy Lake. 

Meet two artists who draw inspiration from nature: Tiffany Morris, an L’nu’skw writer of speculative fiction and poetry, and Quentin Syliboy, a painter who blends Indigenous art styles with modern techniques and influences. 

Each September downtown Halifax becomes flooded with protesters – and posters. The use of art in the School Strike for Climate lets people easily speak up about climate justice and inspire others to do the same. 

Living through the effects of climate change is not easy. Turning to Mary Oliver’s poems and her quiet observations of the natural world can soothe our climate grief and deepen our empathy. 

Art and science might seem to be very different disciplines, but they have much to offer each other – as we see in performances that use movement to communicate issues from loon conservation to ocean plastic pollution. 

“My walk takes me two hours downhill... A stream’s gurgle molts into a sheet of serene light, feeding into the lullaby of the ocean, eventually melting into the orange semi-sphere on the horizon. I recognize a few melodic fragments of conversation, from years of desperately trying to learn the language of this land.” Become immersed in a night with the woods.

Wildlife cinematographer Nick Hawkins captures visuals above and below water to spotlight species and ecosystems that viewers might not otherwise experience. Find out how he connects through the lens and what impact he hopes to have. 

Wonder’neath’s Art Bikers travel by bike to communities around Halifax Regional Municipality and provide accessible, free projects ranging from birdhouse painting to bike repair. Learn how the Art Bikers program lets people engage with creativity and sustainability. 

What role does the arts have in addressing the climate emergency? Local organizations banded together to reduce the environmental impacts of events during the JUNO Awards and promote climate action in the music industry. 

Read how Bharata Natyam, a 4,000-year-old dance artform, is being used to portray climate change and social issues and, in doing so, inspire action.

The History of Bees by Maja Lunde weaves together three stories, set in different places before, during and after the decline of bees. Read a review of this work of environmental speculative fiction. 

The Society for Art, Land and Tide is a new organization whose goal is to promote sustainable energy solutions through a design competition. Read more about this art-and-energy initiative.

Photosynthetic organisms create shades of green as simply as breathing. Humans have had to work a lot harder. We take you through how natural and chemical pigments have been developed for artwork over the centuries. 

Just like spring emerging from a cold Nova Scotian winter, this hearty seafood chowder is sure to warm you up to your bones.