I’m an artivist and thought-leader working for an effective response to the Earth Crisis and a transition to a more Regenerative Culture.
My professional experience stretches back to 1985. I’m an instigator of networks and methodologies at the crossing of culture and environment. My three main organisations:
- Founder of Flow Associates, a consultancy that has delivered hundreds of research & development projects in culture, learning & environment, 2006-present.
- Founder of Climate Museum UK, a collective of practitioners engaging people with environmental issues, 2018-present.
- Co-founder of Culture Declares Emergency, and e.g. writer of resources, website and strategic papers, 2019 — present.
Here I set out how I can help you
I can develop skills to engage people in response to the Earth Crisis
I’ve developed the Earth Talk community of practice.
You can join to access practice-sharing gatherings, online courses, a wealth of tools to deliver your own activities, a network in a Hylo group.
I also mentor Earth Talk members one-to-one to support reflection on your practice and help you develop your own activities.
I can facilitate or chair your event
I’ve been chairing and facilitating courses, meetings and conference panels for 30 years. People say that I do this with humour, grace and intelligence. I tend to expand the scope of debate, help people connect disparate ideas, and I use creative ways to include participants.
I’m an incisive, analytical and refreshing speaker
I’ve given many keynote lectures and talks at conferences and webinars, about the role of arts & culture in response to the Earth Crisis. I can focus on specific issues, such as young people, education, community resilience, the role of imagination, ecological citizenship, and strategic policy in culture. People say my talks are provocative and mind-opening, but delivered gently and calmly.
I have 20 years of experience in horizon-scanning, audience research and evaluation
I do this work through Flow Associates, the cultural learning and experience design company that I founded. Flow is led now by Susanne Buck and Alex Flowers, but I continue to work with them as an expert consultant and researcher. I’m leading the development of the Flow Environmental Outcomes and capacity-based audience segments. These are new methods for designing and evaluating programmes for systemic, pro-environmental change.
I can design and deliver creative projects and workshops on environmental topics
I do this work through Climate Museum UK, often with others in this collective. We deliver professional training and learning resources, and develop programmes for partners such as museums and heritage trusts.
Here are some examples of activities I have recently delivered in East Anglia (mainly Norfolk), and which I continue to offer:
- ‘Imagine Futures’ — workshops for schools & youth groups on imagining possible thriving places, ecosystems & careers in the context of the Earth Crisis
- ‘History for the Future’ — activities adapted for all ages that explore the history of environmental change and the change-makers who can inspire us today. For example, in Norwich, I run walks and workshops inspired by radicals of the past.
- ‘People Take Action’ — or ‘Navigating the Earth Crisis’ — workshops for adults that help you find your pathway of action in response to the Earth Crisis, and understand the many practices you can take up to feel a sense of agency and hope.
- ‘How It All Connects’ — Using painting & drawing to help people understand human-nature interdependence and all the connected elements of the Earth Crisis.
- Pop-ups for Climate Cafes, festivals or ‘imaginariums’: I have around 140 workshop templates and printed graphics, 260 environment-themed books, around 50 handling objects, and kits of creative materials for these kinds of events.
I have a lot of creative practices that I can bring into commissions, to make them more meaningful
- I perform as a solo singer & guitarist.
- I write poetry and creative non-fiction.
- I’m a photographer, painter and collage-maker, mixing word and image to make artist books and installations.
- I synthesise complex information into graphic tools for public engagement.
Helpful information
I work independently, and am also contracted through Flow Associates Ltd and Climate Museum UK CIC.
Independent work
- If the contract for training, mentoring, speaking or creative work is with me on an independent self-employed basis, my day rate is £400 (no VAT).
- For a bespoke keynote presentation of 30–60 minutes with slides, my fee is £250 — 300, including panels and discussion.
- Joining Earth Talk is a one-off investment of £75
- Mentoring: We start with two one-hour meetings, followed by a ‘critical friend’ review of your plans or materials. The investment is £180, which can be repeated as needed.
Climate Museum UK
Creative workshops, pop-ups or projects can be contracted via Climate Museum UK CIC. This gives you the security of public liability insurance and an established entity backing up our creative, collaborative practice. Our day rates adapt to your budget, at a range of £250 — £400 a day. We don’t charge VAT, but our projects will often involve at least two of our members. Contact us at climatemuseumuk@gmail.com outlining your needs or to arrange a chat.
Flow Associates
Contact hello@flowassociates.com to chat about research, evaluation and audience consultation. You can work mainly with me, but we can also draw on the skill sets of my colleagues in experience design, facilitation, and project management, and on the learning we’ve acquired over 20 years of research projects.