East Devon art projects raise awareness of climate themes ahead of COP 30

Two projects in Sidmouth and Honiton are hoping to raise climate change awareness to coordinate with the United Nations COP Conference in Brazil this month.

As we approach COP 30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, 10 - 21 November, two art projects in Sidmouth and Honiton serve as a call to action for us to combat climate change.

Sidmouth Wall Space features a collaborative visual response to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil. The piece, created by 18 UK-based artists, 2 from Brazil and 2 Brazilian artists living in Santos and São Paulo, both celebrates our natural environment, and expresses our collective fears, making a powerful statement ahead of COP 30.

Created out of love for both Sidmouth and Brazil, each acrylic piece in the artwork embodies concern for the planet and hopes for a sustainable future. Positioned to rise from sea level to the sky, this installation resonates with urgency, symbolising a collective plea to uphold treaties and escalate environmental efforts.

Led by Lúcia Cooper and brought to life by artist Sam Eyre, this project continues to thrive through public workshops asking Sidmouth residents to contribute their voices and visions for our shared home.

In Honiton, to raise awareness of COP 30, Thelma Hulbert Gallery, the Beehive, and artist Polly Meyrick are screening a short film 'We Are All People of Power' celebrating the local and human stories behind the energy transition in Devon. This heart-warming film will be followed by a Climate Conversations talk with exhibiting artist, Polly Meyrick, in conversation with energy expert from Regen , the not-for-profit centre of energy expertise.

This event is part of the 'We Are All People of Power' programme funded by the Creative East Devon Fund through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund including an exhibition, workshops, film and talk. The exhibition on display at the Beehive gallery showcases portraits by Polly Meyrick.

The film and artworks highlight how renewable energy creates new opportunities and strengthens local communities—bringing new jobs, funding for local projects, and support for people struggling with energy costs to make their homes more comfortable. It also showcases community energy, how farms and community buildings can reduce running costs, and how solar farms can foster new areas of biodiversity.

This project coordinates with the COP 30 Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil to highlight climate change. Through the lens of arts and culture, Climate Conversations can help us discover different perspectives and create new opportunities to help us understand and adapt to our changing planet.

COP 30 artwork at Sidmouth Wall Space, Sidmouth (04.11.25 - 04.02.26)
Free ink workshops: 08.11.25, 15.11.25, 10 - 1
View individual artworks in the digital gallery: https://sidmouthart.org/projects/wallspace/cop-30

Climate Conversations talk and film screening
Thursday 20 November, 6.00 - 7.30.
The Beehive, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LZ: book tickets