Climate Justice Africa Magazine brought together artists, climate advocates and speakers from across Africa and beyond on 2 October 2026 to connect creative expressions, public understanding, policy participation and climate action.

Opening the virtual Art for Climate Action Forum and Creative Showcase, CJAM founder Joy Ify Onyekwere emphasised the importance of making climate conversations reflect people’s everyday experiences.

“People must be able to see themselves in climate conversation,” she said.

Onyekwere explained that behind accounts of flooding, drought and lost livelihoods are people whose experiences deserve attention. Painting, poetry, music and photography, she noted, can help audiences understand those realities and create opportunities for communities to participate in shaping responses.

She also shared a practical motivation behind the forum: her experience producing a climate radio programme had revealed how difficult it could be to find music addressing climate and environmental issues. The gathering offered a space to connect creative practitioners with climate communication and policy engagement.

Creativity that makes climate issues relatable

The forum featured contributions from Nigeria, Kenya, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Grenada and the United States. Uzochukwudinma Awele Otakpor FCE, an environmental auditor, moderated the discussions.

Documentary filmmaker and keynote speaker Elayne Cronin PhD explored how storytelling can communicate the human impact of energy transitions and infrastructure. Drawing on her professional experience, she described the gap that can arise between technical innovation and people’s understanding of what it means for their lives.

Her examples included documenting families receiving solar electricity in remote communities in Honduras, illustrating how access to energy can influence education and everyday opportunities.

Kenyan artist Tabitha wa Thuku brought a visual perspective to environmental questions. Her presentation explored agricultural practices, herbicides and biodiversity, connecting the experiences of farmers with artistic interpretation. She also reflected on how artists engage with policy documents and translate ideas into memorable visual expressions.

“The climate is a blanket we all share,” she said.

Musical and performance contributions further connected environmental protection with daily choices, including reducing waste, protecting forests and addressing food insecurity.

Artists as partners in climate policy

Keynote speaker Teddy P. Taylor of Liberia addressed the role of art in shaping climate policy and public engagement. He highlighted how creative expression can translate technical information into narratives that people understand and relate to.

His contribution called for artists to participate as partners in climate action, including through public consultation and education.

“A photograph can show what a statistical table cannot,” Taylor observed.

The discussion underlined the importance of connecting artistic expression with opportunities for public participation, so that greater understanding can support informed engagement with climate decisions.

Fellow keynote speaker Johann Hoschtialek (Acc. Dir.), Founder and CEO of 195in365, Grenada, discussed art’s capacity to encourage empathy and collective action. He introduced his initiative’s work to connect and mobilise people around climate awareness and education.

A shared commitment to continued action

Ambassador Ruby N. Kryticous led the Art for Climate Action Declaration, inviting participants to use their talents to communicate African climate experiences and support action.

Across the forum, a recurring message was that creative work can open conversations that technical language alone may struggle to reach. Connecting those conversations with community priorities, policy processes and practical opportunities remains an essential next step.

For Climate Justice Africa Magazine, the gathering created a platform for exchange across artistic disciplines and national borders. CJAM will continue sharing contributions from the forum through its “Voices from the Forum” series and #artvocacy, keeping the connection between creativity, community experience and climate action in public view.

Watch the forum: Art for Climate Action recording

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