The Edge of the Earth launch party, 2017 © Clifton Li, Ryerson Image Centre
Climate Talks: Kids have questions about climate change. Will you answer?
Aug. 10, 2016
Climate Talks invites children and adults to talk to each other about one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change. Created by the Toronto-based art collective Madeleine Co. and commissioned by the Ryerson Image Centre (RIC) and in conjunction with the upcoming RIC exhibition The Edge of the Earth: Climate Change in Photography and Video, this 8-episode video series features discussions between children and adults about their hopes, fears and failings as they confront a future impacted by climate change. The public will be invited to participate in the talks @ricgallery using the hashtag #climatetalks and #kidsask
Climate Talks brings honesty, humour and refreshing candour into a deeply polarizing discussion around the impending threat faced by future generations. Most importantly, it starts a new conversation – one that bridges the opportunity for youth and adults to act together to face climate change. The documentary series features children age 9-12 from Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood leading intimate conversations with adults – from their parents and teachers, to artists, activists and politicians, including renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky, Toronto city councillor Gord Perks and Canadian MP Julie Dzerowicz.
The trailer can be viewed here, with access to images available here. Media are invited to participate in Climate Talks (www.climatetalks.ca) by getting in touch with Madeleine Co. member Cheryl Hsu at cheryl@madeleineco.com.
On September 14, 2016, the complete Climate Talks series launches in conjunction with the opening of The Edge of the Earth: Climate Change in Photography and Video at the Ryerson Image Centre. On view until December 4, 2016, the exhibition features recent and historic work by a range of pioneering and visionary artists (including Amy Balkin, Raymond Boisjoly, Edward Burtynsky, Peter Goin, Naoya Hatakeyama, Isabelle Hayeur, Mishka Henner, Chris Jordan, Richard Misrach, Evariste Richer, Joel Sternfeld and Sharon Stewart) from around the world. Photojournalism from the RIC’s famed Black Star Collection is also included, contextualising artistic reflections alongside half a century of historical reportage on the environment.
The Edge of the Earth questions traditional views and challenges our environmental consciousness, proceeding from the conviction that humans have entered the Era of the Anthropocene, dominating the planet in its uppermost layers and outermost edges. Guest curated by Montreal-based art historian Dr. Benedicte Ramade, this in-depth exhibition attempts to foster a reconsideration of climate change, envisioning the present crises and future consequences of humanity’s harsh imprint on our planet.
The Edge of the Earth is generously supported by Cineplex Media and Invesco, and by media sponsors Toronto Life and Toronto Star. Climate Talks is made possible with generous support from the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council and ArtReach Toronto.