From striking acrylic panels to community storytelling, Sidmouth and Honiton artists are using creativity to make climate change impossible to ignore
An installation in Sidmouth and a film screening in Honiton are giving voice to climate-related themes, engaging residents through art, discussion, and storytelling.
At Sidmouth Wall Space, a powerful collaborative artwork involving 18 UK-based artists and four from Brazil is currently on display. The project, led by Lúcia Cooper and brought to life by artist Sam Eyre, uses ascending acrylic panels to symbolise the urgency of climate action—from rising seas to sky-high hopes.
Each piece reflects concern for the natural world and a shared aspiration for a sustainable future. Local residents are being invited to contribute their ideas at free public ink workshops. The display runs until Wednesday, February 4, with upcoming workshops scheduled for Saturday, November 15, from 10am to 1pm.
Meanwhile in Honiton, the Thelma Hulbert Gallery, The Beehive, and artist Polly Meyrick are hosting a screening of the short film We Are All People of Power, which documents personal stories of energy transition across Devon. The screening, set for Thursday, November 20, will be followed by a “Climate Conversations” event featuring Meyrick in discussion with an expert from energy organisation Regen.
The wider project, funded through the Creative East Devon Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, includes an exhibition of Meyrick’s portraits, workshops, and talks—all exploring the intersection of renewable energy, community resilience and climate awareness.
Councillor Nick Hookway, portfolio holder for culture, leisure, tourism and sport at East Devon District Council, said: “Having just endured one of the hottest and driest summers on record, East Devon is starting to feel the impact of climate change, be it cliff falls or tourists seeking shade more than a suntan.”
He continued: “The COP30 climate summit matters to us all, yet it is not always easy to gain a range of views to understand the debate. Many artists across the district are running events and exhibitions to highlight their concerns and offer alternative points of view while the summit takes place.”
“I commend these events at Honiton and Sidmouth and hope that you can find time to visit them.”
Tickets for the film screening and talk are available from www.eventbrite.co.uk. More information on the Sidmouth project is available at sidmouthart.org, and details of Polly Meyrick’s work can be found at pollymeyrick.com.
