From Bob Dylan and Bob Marley to Marvin Gaye and Macklemore, arts and culture have been the heralds of social change for much of the last century with many of these moments captured in iconic music, arts and literature. THE PACIFIC HAS A LONG, STORIED TRADITION of communicating its reality through music.

from the freedom songs of samoa’s independence leaders in the early 1900s to the songs of lament from vanuatu and tokelau communities who endured the brutality of slavery at the hands of western colonial empires. struggle and song are part of our dna - and it is a legacy we continue znd build upon as we combat the climate crisis.

combining political advocacy, community organising with the vessel of culture and arts is a powerful way to reshape the narrative on climate change. arts and stories are a powerful means used throughout our history to move peoples and communities to action, whether it be nina simone, Marvin Gaye or countless others during the civil rights movement, the herbs during the nuclear free pacific campaign and even now, with frontline artists bringing the call for climate justice to the masses.

In an age where even facts are now coming into question, compelling storytelling and creativity takes on renewed importance, to break the stalemate of the political discourse with powerful, emotive, human-centred stories, moving hearts and minds to action. Art, when used in these grey spaces, brings light and colour to the decisions that shape our world, moving the discussion on climate change past the ideological gridlock that has long plagued it to the masses where it can penetrate hearts and minds, orienting us all to action.