As parts of the art world continue efforts to reduce their ecological footprint, the Climate Museum is marshalling the power of art to educate the public and motivate change. The museum launched its first-ever Manhattan pop-up space last month with an action incubator and mural by David Opdyke. On view until 22 December, the pop-up aims to generate interest in the museum’s mission and help fund a permanent home.
The museum was founded in 2015 by the former civil rights lawyer Miranda Massie; its public programming and exhibitions launched in 2017. Since then, the museum has organised installations and exhibitions in and around New York, including pop-ups on Governors Island in 2018 and 2019.
At a time of eroding trust in many traditional institutions, Massie created the museum to leverage support for cultural spaces in order to promote learning and climate action. “Museums are trusted and popular, and the arts reach people how we most need to be reached: emotionally and communally. There’s an urgent need for a shift toward climate dialogue, expression and engagement. Without this cultural shift, we won’t get the transformational policy that’s needed to safeguard our well-being and all the things we love,” she says.
