Return to Earth
Research Project, symposium (thomas hill house) and forum (Art gallery south australia) 2021
Return to Earth was initiated in response to the deeply isolating effects of COVID-19 on our local arts community and to support artists who are continuing climate conversations displaced by the urgency of responding to COVID-19 through the centering of the natural world within practice. The Return to Earth project started as a symposium and public forum bringing together 15 SA visual artists and creative practitioners (from emerging to established and from multiple generations and backgrounds) whose work explores nature relationships and in-turn confronts our emotional response to the current ecological crisis. The aim of this project is to develop a community and CONNECT through the power of storytelling, knowledge sharing and creativity.
These times call for new thinking, new ways of working, and new ways of engaging. Return to Earth asks: how can artists, scientists and thinkers imagine new visions of the future and what to do next? This collective is designed to do just this, to take participants on a new pathway of thinking that will foster lines of enquiry for practice and collaboration. This symposium is designed by artists, for artists to analyse and inspire new ways of talking about and engaging with creative practice. As an artist led project, Return to Earth believes that art (and artists) are in the middle of socialites, policies, politics, ecologies and have an effect on the narrative of our current society. The framework has been developed to be collaborative and foster new connections and relationships within this vital field of research. The research and development of this content has been supported by Australia Council (Future Leaders) and Arts South Australia.
This project centres art as living research and considers art as a microcosm site to rethink what is happening in the macrocosm. It positions art as a creative force which assesses our cultural relationship with the earth. The symposium creates a space for critical reflection on these times we find ourselves in and reflect on our work in nature-connection in a deeply nourishing and connective way.
Part 1 and 2 of this project have been supported by Arts South Australia as part of the Arts Recovery Projects, as well as the Art Gallery South Australia, Nature Festival and the artists themselves.
Georgina Willoughby was the project stenographer who responded through mark making, print making and collected field drawings from the days discussions.
Georgina’s findings make up some of the groups research.
Warndu fed, presented native food knowledge and local-food-centric philosophy.