Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild

Art and Environment

Arts and culture have always been a part of important movements for change, and environmental sustainability is no exception. Increasing numbers of artists and arts organizations are engaging with environmental issues, and a growing number of arts funders are thinking about and seeing this kind of work as both artistically valid and socially relevant.

 According to recent study carried out by Helicon Collaborative:
“Environmental funders believe that there is a powerful, and under realized, role for art and culture to advance environmental goals in ways that other methods cannot, and are developing intentional strategies to further work at this intersection. This work is supported by growing evidence that art and artists play unique roles in movements and efforts for change by bringing awareness to issues in emotionally compelling ways, influencing people’s opinions and behaviors, bringing innovative perspectives to complex challenges, and helping to galvanize people around a shared vision.

A growing number of environmental activists and environmental funders are also recognizing the role of art and artists in effecting change. They are realizing that a more sustainable future requires not only new technologies and policies but also a shift in underlying values and social norms. Art and artists can help catalyze these shifts because they appeal to people on the levels of emotions and meaning, helping to create new narratives and to move people to action.”

Taken together, this suggests that there are expanding possibilities for work at the intersection of art and environmental sustainability.

BLACKFOOT PATHWAYS: SCULPTURE IN THE WILD

Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild

Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild (BPSW) provides a neutral ground for discussions about a new approach to environmental stewardship and the creation of a new economic future for the community.  BPSW is delivering in ways that are tangible and palpable for the community on a vision for the future that is more sustainable ecologically and economically for Lincoln.

• Celebrates the past, including its industrial heritage- timber and mining. The celebration of the past helps open doors to a discussion about the future.

• The discussion provides opportunities for the conversation to shift from the traditional dynamic of conservationists versus industrialists and allows space for open discussions about what is best for the future of our landscape, our community and our children.

• The discussion is hugely beneficial for conservation efforts because it helps define that a common ground is possible.

• BPSW is a tangible representation that new economic initiatives can deliver dollars to local businesses- it doesn’t just have to be about mining and timber. Other avenues are possible and they can deliver sustainable use of the landscape and income into the community.

• BPSW are getting children excited about art and the natural landscape and that helps bring along parents who are currently in decision-making positions about the community, economy and environment.

• BPSW allows for a narrative:  This landscape is special! Look at the art it inspires! People from across the globe are coming here to be inspired by this landscape - our natural beauty, the wildlife. These are assets to our community not just in themselves but they are economic assets too because people will come here to experience them and spend dollars in our community.