Artful Migration Conference

An exploration of artists-in-residence, birds on the move, and habitats in transition

Our first Artful Migration Conference will be available in person and online and will:

• Reveal the achievements and challenges of three innovative artist residency programmes developed by Upland and Moving Souls Dance, hosted in local areas of wildlife importance. We will hear the artists’ views about the opportunities to make and exhibit work, and their engagement with local people, on the shared theme of migratory birds and their habitats.
• Reflect on how the artists have responded to the challenges facing these birds, including shifting weather patterns and changing management of habitats.
• Listen to keynote speakers from conservation and ecological art perspectives illuminating further the contexts and approaches involved in this work, encompassing artistic practice, conservation, citizen engagement, sustainable land management and the manner in which these approaches overlap.
• Consider the implications of Artful Migration for global agendas on the conservation of migratory species and the complex mix of values and contexts at stake.
• Celebrate the partnerships and collaborations stimulated by Artful Migration, and discuss where these might lead in future!

Who is this conference for?

• Bird enthusiasts and anyone concerned with nature conservation
• Young people engaged with climate change activism/ climate science and environmental issues
• Organisations and audiences who engage with the arts in a place-based context
• Artists, enthusiasts, volunteers, activists with an interest in the natural world and commitment to sustainable lifestyles and creative practices
• Academics and scientists who research and contribute to the fields of policy and decision-making in conservation, sustainable land management, eco-tourism and related disciplines
• Policy makers, land management agents/agencies, farmers and publicly owned venues concerned with management of the natural environment of Dumfries & Galloway
• International conservationists and organisations concerned with migratory species and their conservation needs

Keynote speakers: Sacha Dench (UN Ambassador for Migratory Species) Co-founder of Conservation without Borders, scientist, campaigner for climate action and Chris Fremantle, Research Fellow and Lecturer at Gray’s School of Art, producer of public art and design projects, a writer/editor in particular on ecoartscotland.net.

Lunch & refreshments will be provided (vegetarian & vegan).

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME HERE.

The morning session featuring presentations will also be live streamed.