Art for the future

Many young people are standing up for climate justice, organizing themselves into movements and actively campaigning for change. They see the climate crisis as a non-partisan, global issue and are calling for concrete action to protect the environment and the lives of future generations.

Students at BORG Krems came up with the idea of using art as a means of activism. Together with their art teachers and the Kunstmeile Krems, the project "With Art for the Future" was born. Together with caricaturist Wolfgang Ammer and Flora Peham from Fridays for Future Lower Austria, they discussed how the medium of art can be used to combat climate myths and promote climate protection measures.

Wolfgang Ammer has been drawing about socio-political world events for decades. Criticism of the lack of climate policy is particularly present in his art. During a visit to his exhibition "Wolfgang Ammer. Dialogue with the world" at the Karikaturmuseum Krems, the young people talked to him about his art and how he uses his drawings to criticize society. The students then got creative and created their own works of art, with the caricaturist on hand to offer advice. At the presentation of the resulting drawings, Wolfgang Ammer offered both appreciative criticism and praise.

On the follow-up date, Flora Peham, a climate activist from Lower Austria, visited the class and talked about the current situation in Austria: What changes are needed now? What can individuals do? The students discussed their concerns, worries and questions. Climate fears are very present at the moment. The activist gives personal insights into her climate commitment and practical options for action. Thoughts from the workshop with the artist Wolfgang Ammer were discussed and reflected upon. What content can be conveyed through drawing? Who can be inspired to think and act? Following this discussion, the students created their own works of art in class. In the final discussion, the impressions gained so far are reflected upon and the newly created works are presented and discussed.

The creative project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research.