In the workshop, we will explore the concept of decolonising climate research, including how we have been approaching this at the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society.

We will discuss, through a series of talks and conversations, how approaches in art and science can contribute to amplifying local, indigenous and diverse voices in the context of the environment and climate justice. We will look at the topic both broadly from a global perspective, and also with a specific focus of wildfires and climate in Kenya. For those attending in person, you will participate in painting a mural exploring climate justice.

This event is hybrid, being held both online and at concurrently at the Science Gallery London and Strathmore University in Nairobi.

Please note, space for in-person attendance is limited. If you sign up but are no longer able to attend, please let us know so we can free up your space for someone else.

 

Wildfire Paradox

Fire-prone landscapes are amplified in protected areas where fire suppression policies and the exclusion of peoples and livestock have redefined fire management systems and altered the dominant fire regime. Colonially derived anti-fire wisdoms and degradation narratives, such as the belief that indigenous peoples and local communities burn indiscriminately, continue to inform conservation strategies which serve to maintain the wildfire paradox. This has resulted in widespread ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and social-economic vulnerabilities. In the workshop, we will briefly explore these issues, particularly in Kenya but also other parts of the world, and the need for decolonisation of fire policies and practices.

Conversation with a Kenyan artist

You you will have the opportunity to view and discuss three artworks by Kenyan artist Shedrack Musyoki - ‘Mamboleo’ (meaning ‘Current Affairs’), Chaguo Ni Letu (meaning ‘The Choice Is Ours’), and ‘Mwaki’ (meaning ‘Fire’ in the Kamba community). These artworks were created during and after a two-day workshop held in Nairobi in December 2022, titled Decolonising Fire Science: Fire Across Contested Landscapes. The artworks explore fire and climate in Kenya from the perspectives of the workshop participants and the artist. You can read more about workshop, which was organised in collaboration with Strathmore University in Nairobi, in English or Swahili.

Shedrack will join in Nariobi and online to discuss his practice, how he engages in environmental topics, and the three pieces.

 

Participatory Art and Discussion

For those joining in person in London or Nairobi, the workshop will continue with a participatory art activity where you will contribute to painting a mural exploring climate justice. The mural will be based on sketches sent in ahead of the workshop by participants. At Strathmore University, this activity will be led by Shedrack Musyoki. In London, it will be led by Adriana Ford and Abi Croker. We will discuss the meanings behind the images and what climate justice looks like to you.

Who is this workshop for?

This event is open to all. It is particularly aimed at Early Career Researchers and students in science and the arts, as well as interested public and practitioners.

 

Organisers

This workshop is brought to you by the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society's Equality Diversity and Inclusion Working Group in collaboration with the Centre for Biodiversity Information Development at Strathmore University (Nairobi) and Science Gallery London.

It forms part of our Decolonising Fire Science workshop series, and part of our Wildfires at the Art-Science Interface initiative. The original artworks were produced with support from the Grantham Institute.

If you have any queries, please contact Adriana Ford at a.ford@imperial.ac.uk