The Art of Change

Program & Host Organization

The Art of Change is a community-based initiative developed by the sword fern collective, a grassroots organization in Canada. The program uses art as a catalyst for emotional reflection, community connection, and engagement with the climate crisis.

Location & Scope

The initiative operates in British Columbia and Quebec, with events held in urban venues such as Heritage Hall Vancouver, Patagonia Kitsilano, and Chillxstudios. Activities occur at the local community level and reach participants not typically involved in climate conversations.

Who It Serves

The program is open to the general public and aims to engage people of all ages, particularly those who may feel disconnected from or intimidated by climate activism. It intentionally reaches individuals who are climate-curious or new to climate dialogue.

Climate & Mental Health Focus

The initiative addresses the emotional and social dimensions of the climate crisis, including grief, anxiety, apathy, and disconnection. It seeks to bridge the gap between climate knowledge and action by helping people reflect on their feelings and build personal agency within a challenging social and environmental context.

Activities & Format

Events take place in person and typically last about 1.5 hours. Each gathering features an artistic showcase such as music, poetry, or collective performance, followed by facilitated dialogue and opportunities for participants to create or respond through art. Activities include group reflection, emotional processing, participatory creative expression, and shared conversation. Events are held one to two times per year and operate as open, one-time sessions rather than ongoing cohorts.

Inclusion & Accessibility

The initiative offers free events, collaborates with Indigenous Elders for land acknowledgements, and has provided ASL interpretation when needed. Venues are selected with attention to physical accessibility, and the queer-led organizing team incorporates care and safety practices.

Outcomes & Evidence

The initiative aligns with principles of emotional processing, optimism, social connection, emotional resilience, and collective responsibility. Events foster open expression of diverse emotions, highlight creative and community-rooted action, strengthen interpersonal bonds, and emphasize shared responsibility for climate wellbeing.

Guiding Principles

The program aligns with principles of emotional diversity, optimism, social connection, nature bonding, emotional resilience, climate justice, trauma-informed practice, and collective responsibility. These principles are reflected through reflective dialogue, shared creative practices, and attention to the emotional realities of climate action.

Resources & Sustainability

Events cost approximately $3,000 to $5,000 each and require funding for venues, artist honoraria, Elder involvement, interpreters, supplies, and food. Resources also include volunteer time, donated or rented meeting spaces, and digital tools for planning. Funding comes from grants, in-kind contributions, and volunteer support.

Team & Partners

Activities are co-led by Victor Yin, Paige Hunter, and Erica Binder, supported by volunteers. The team brings expertise in facilitation, dialogue, and event management, with additional support from artists, Elders, and community partners.

Challenges & Context

Key challenges include limited funding, volunteer burnout, and planning demands. Broader social and political conditions, climate-related emotions, and venue availability influence participation and program reach. More stable funding and expanded outreach would strengthen sustainability.