Cultural Arts Circle
The Ubuntu Climate Initiative's Cultural Arts Council envisions a world where art and culture serve as powerful catalysts for transformative change, inspiring individuals and communities to embrace the interconnectedness of all beings and acting in harmony with nature. We envision a world where:
- Art serves as a bridge between the past, present, and future, reconnecting us to ancestral wisdom and inspiring us to reimagine a sustainable and just world.
- Cultural narratives shift from competition and consumerism to cooperation and communalism, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the well-being of our planet.
- Creative expression becomes a tool for healing and empowerment, amplifying marginalized voices and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
- Artists become agents of change, using their creativity to spark dialogue, inspire action, and drive social transformation.
Our vision is rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu, an African concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all humanity and the importance of collective action. We believe that art and culture have the power to awaken our hearts, ignite our imaginations, and inspire us to create a world reflecting Ubuntu values.
We envision a world where art and culture are not merely forms of entertainment, but rather tools for personal and societal transformation. A world where art is used to heal our planet and to create a sustainable future for all. This is the world we envision. This is the world we are creating.
We are Cultural Creatives, voices that sing, dance, and envision a world our hearts know is within reach. We heed the call of the ancient ones and the wisdom keepers, grounding ourselves in the present while reaching toward a brighter future. We welcome new storytellers, artists, poets, and musicians—cultural creatives who resonate with this beautiful collective ethos. Together, we hold the power to rewrite the narrative that beckons us toward a new way of being.
Our mission is to heal the HeART and Spirit through cultural arts, rituals, and ceremonies. We strive to decolonize our consciousness and elevate our relationship to liberation, awakening a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other. Together, we will cultivate a vibrant tapestry of creativity and connection, celebrating our shared journey toward healing and transformation.
Climate Arts & Storytelling Showcase
Following the official launch of the Ubuntu Climate Initiative, the first spark ignited at the Ubuntu Arts Showcase, where we invited the community to share their hearts: “What does Ubuntu mean to you?”
From this call, the fire was kindled, and the winds of support from our networks fanned the flames, transforming embers into a powerful blaze. Like mycelia spreading through the earth, our creative community responded with 147 submissions from across the nation. Now, we move forward, exploring how Ubuntu can re-story our roles as stewards, integrated partners, and family within Pachamama’s embrace of wholeness and wellness.
Our dedicated team sifted through the myriad of expressions and chose 40 winners to share in the $100,000 prize. These remarkable productions were showcased during our live-streamed event on April 22nd, Earth Day. We warmly invite you to explore the winners and finalists on our Ubuntu Youtube page, featuring inspiring works from Women, Youth, Returning Citizens, the General community, and our esteemed Elders.
*Note: We are thrilled to spotlight these films and stories over the next two years and encourage our talented community of artists—and you—to join us in co-creating and reimagining a thriving, healthy, and generative cosmology of interdependence. In the spirit of “I am because you are,” we celebrate our shared journey.
We remember, and we are excited to envision a future together.
Join Us: We invite you to join us in creating a new narrative that nurtures an Eco-centered vs Ego-centered way of life.
Ubuntu Climate Conversations
Before the official launch of the Ubuntu Climate Initiative, the Ubuntu Climate Conversations focus groups were conducted for young climate leaders, artists and artivists to engage with the essential question: “How do we shift away from Western values and economies?” Participants explored this inquiry through the lens of four guiding pillars: reconnecting to our ancestral roots, redesigning our lifestyles, redefining work, and redefining policies. This gathering became a vibrant space for sharing insights, experiences, and visions of a future that honors our heritage and embraces a more holistic, interconnected way of living. Through heartfelt dialogue and collective reflection, the youth forged a path toward healing and transformation, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu as they committed to building a resilient and inclusive future for all.
Read the full Ubuntu Climate Conversations Report.
Climate Arts Caucus
The Climate Arts Caucus served as a transformative gathering, igniting the flames of creativity and resistance that would lead to the birth of the Juneteenth: Taste of Freedom movement and the Climate Arts & Storytelling Showcase. Artists, activists, and visionaries convened in a vibrant space of collaboration, where the intersection of art and climate justice became a fertile ground for imagination and expression.
Artists and activists came together to weave a tapestry of stories that reflected the rich heritage and shared struggles of our ancestors. Through spoken word, visual art, and soulful performances, participants illuminated the path forward—inviting us to reclaim our narratives and honor our collective history.
The Caucus served as a heartfelt reminder that art is not merely a reflection of society but a transformative force that can awaken consciousness and spark action. Each story shared and every creative expression echoed a resounding call for healing, resilience, and liberation.
In this space, we celebrated the intertwining of our cultural legacies with our urgent mission for climate justice. As we laid the groundwork for the Juneteenth Taste of Freedom, we embraced its goal to remember and celebrate Juneteenth as an annual ‘Day of Collective Action’—a “Day of Sharing & Community Building.” Together, we envision a world where creativity fuels the fight for a just and sustainable future, honoring our ancestors and inspiring generations to come.
Network Collaborators
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Pat Prescott
- Radio Personality, WBGO
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Open Signal
- Portland Community Media Center
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Leah Thomas
- Climate Justice Activist
- Founder of Intersectional Environmentalist
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Mustafa Ali
- Executive Vice President, National Wildlife Federation
Lead Advisors
- Hunter Jones
- Tara Marchant
- Elfleda Utiaruk
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