Art and activism fuse to challenge environmental issues

A lifelong passion for art and a desire to see environmental change has resulted in Emma Blake Morsi being selected to create a series of thought-provoking billboards.

The pieces by the Bristol artist will accompany the work of Bristol University’s Cabot Institute for the Environment as the team raise awareness of the importance of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, which is soon to take place.

Emma’s passions are fuelled by research that holds the key to addressing some of the biggest challenges and solutions, such as access to water and sustainable food sources.

As an award-winning multidisciplinary artist and writer, Emma ventures into the mediums of graphics, photography and film to support her illustrations. Prints of her designs are being produced to assist in raising funds for charities that support intersectional environmentalism.

“Leading this campaign fulfils a big ambition because I’m passionate about finding creative solutions to the world’s social and sustainable challenges,” says Emma.

“COP26 may not be on everyone’s radar, so this is an important and exciting way to make the hot topics under discussion more accessible and relatable.”

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“The biggest reward is that the designs might spark ideas and conversations with people walking past on the street or waiting for the bus who have never thought about or maybe weren’t even aware of the issues before,” continues Emma.

“I truly believe creative art can help champion environmental progress and that discussions about climate change, and possible solutions must be inclusive, starting at a grassroots level. There’s no better place than out on the street to do that.”

More projects are underway to advance inclusion and innovation, further carrying on the discussion.

Emma adds: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been tough for everyone and marginalised groups have been hit especially hard. Finalising my degree last year while isolating by myself for 11 weeks was incredibly difficult, but this campaign is a reminder of the important work I aim to continue to do. Our survival depends on finding answers to these huge challenges and time is running out.”

Leading experts from the University of Bristol’s Cabot Institute for the Environment will be contributing to the discussions at this high-profile campaign.

Commenting on the billboards, Guy Howard, professor, interim director and global research chair, said: “Thank you Emma for creating such a wonderfully vibrant and engaging series of designs, which really bring to life the huge global challenges we’re facing and how research happening right here in Bristol plays a crucial role in tackling them.

“The agreements on action reached at COP26 will have a bearing on all our lives both now and long into the future, so it’s important to raise awareness and improve understanding of pressing problems, such as access to water and sustainable food sources.

“I hope this fantastic artwork sparks lots of conversations about climate change and related issues, while also encouraging people to find out more about the amazing work scientists are undertaking to identify possible solutions.”

Young artistic activist has created a series of colourful billboards to support the Cabot Institute in the lead up to #COP26. Credit – Emma Blake Morsi

As a member of Rising Arts Agency, the #WhoseFuture team are thrilled to see the recognition of one of their own.

“Young people are at the forefront of climate activism so it’s really exciting to combine that with climate research,” said Jess Bunyan, development manager at Rising Arts Agency says.

“The fact that it’s sitting alongside this year’s #WhoseFuture poster campaign which is all about Care and Wellbeing is even better. Being informed about the climate crisis allows young people and everyone who sees these posters to advocate for change. We really enjoyed working with the team, seeing the posters come to life and hope that people are motivated to find out more by this artwork.”

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Main photo courtesy of Emma Blake Morsi

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