Following the success of the programme in Slough, Berkshire last year, which was funded by Westhill, we are running a similar programme this year in and around Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.

Students from four schools will take part in sessions of discussion, photography and creating iPad-based artworks, which will be the focus of discussion later between people young and older, and from differing cultures and beliefs, to help encourage wider responsibility for our shared future. 
 

The aims of the programme:

 • to develop an understanding of intergenerational perspectives on climate change, and explore ways in which people of all ages can work together to bring real change 

 • to learn about different faith perspectives on stewardship of the planet  

 • to explore the relationships and connections between mental well-being and green spaces.
 

In 2023, Art Beyond Belief partnered with Oxford Diocesan Council for Interfaith Relations in events focusing on shared faith approaches to climate change and responsibility for the planet.

We worked with groups of KS4 students from four schools to discuss intergenerational and faith perspectives on climate change, and explore the relationships between mental well-being and green space. The artworks and photographs they produced as part of the sessions became the focus of further discussion at a combined event for students, teachers and members of local faith and community groups. 

One of our discussion starters for the programme, for example, is a quote from Gus Speth: 

I used to think the top global environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. I thought that with 30 years of good science we could address these problems. But I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy, and to deal with these we need a spiritual and cultural transformation.”