Ideas Hub Chelmsford - Earth 23 Exhibition & Climate Change

What Is the Purpose of Earth 23?

We hope Earth 23 empowers you to create change in your own lives. We can create a healthier and sustainable future. We have the solutions to do so, and it has never been more important to act.

My Journey

My name is Indigo Sapphire Moon and I’ve always had a strong connection to nature and the environment. I grew up in the Essex countryside and was surrounded by trees and an abundance of flowers in my grandmother’s garden. I loved, and continue to love, visiting the River Crouch as there is a huge variety of birdlife.

I developed a passion for environmental justice, wildlife conservation and climate activism while studying at Bath Spa University. The campus where I lived was in the countryside and the university itself is very environmentally focused. This stimulated my interest in environmental issues. As my spiritual connection to nature grew, and I learned more about how nature positively impacts our well-being, my interest turned into a passion.

The next step for me was when I became vegan in 2015. It was learning about how food production impacts the planet, animals and our health that drew me to become more involved in activism to raise awareness and influence policies in this area. I attended Extinction Rebellion protests, started a vegan society at university, became Bath Spa Students Union’s Environment and Ethics Officer and studied for a Master’s Degree in Environmental Humanities.

All these experiences have led me here, to The Art Place, and to the curation of the Earth 23 exhibition.

What Is Earth 23?

Earth 23 is a collaboration with The Art Place and Creative Being, the latter of which I founded back in 2020 to use creativity to amplify positive change and marginalised voices, Earth 23 explores how climate change affects the natural world and how creativity can empower us to create change.

The creative work featured in this exhibition was created by local artists and each brings their own unique perspectives and voices to the climate crisis conversation. They hope to provide space for us to reflect on how we can help nurture and protect the natural world. We purposefully used eco-friendly labels and display boards to show our commitment to sustainable practice.

Earth 23 is running from June until the end of August so there’s plenty of time to check out the exhibition, feel empowered to create change, and grab yourself or a loved one a beautifully handmade piece of nature-based art that not only supports local artists, but also the Rainforest Trust UK which saves endangered wildlife and creates rainforest reserves through partnerships, community engagement and donor support.

Competition for Primary School Children

Children (primary school age) are invited to enter one drawing about the environment by 27th July 2023. The drawings will be displayed throughout August alongside the main exhibition.

The winner will receive a £10 Art Place voucher on the last week of August as part of Chelmsford Green City Festival (21st - 27th August). Please contact the email below to receive the entry form.

Have You Considered Organising Your Own Exhibition?

The Art Place is keen to encourage local artists. If you’re interested in curating your own exhibition, please contact us at artplacegallery@ ideashubchelmsford.org.

Indigo Sapphire Moon - Curator of Earth 23 Exhibition and Art Place Duty

Manager & Retail Support