Panel Discussion & Wine Reception: Climate Equity: A Better Future For All

For the finale of "Climate Equity: A Better Future For All" UVA is hosting a panel discussion and a free ticketed wine reception with the curator in conversation with 3-4 artists. The exhibiit is curated by Jingyi (Tina) Wang. Exhibit Assistants - Jessica Hernandez, Mila Roemer, Natalie Schweikhart, and Shuxian Zhang.

Free raffle for all registrants. You may win a $225 gift card to the very popular Courtyard Tea Room at Boston Public Library. The winner will be drawn on 3/31.

The exhibit includes art from 16 artists: Nancer Ballard, Mary Barton-Lech, Gwen Cory, Nancy Crasco, Samantha Fein, Elizabeth Lapides, Pauline Lim, Elisandra Lopes, Chelsea Martel-White, Michael McLaughlin, Alex Miklowski, Shelby Myerhoff, Brenda Gael McSweeney, Matthew Okazaki, Katha Seidman, Diana Stelin

Curator's Statement:

These days, most of us probably have already heard the term “climate change” a million times — we are all well aware of what it means and what things should be done to save the environment — but what about “climate equity”?

Environmental equity means both protection from environmental hazards as well as access to environmental benefits for all, regardless of income, race, and other characteristics. Climate change has affected the poorest population around the world most drastically, creating “climate refugees”. According to Mercy Corps “nearly 70% of all new displacements in the first six months of last year were the result of weather-related disasters, with a total of 9.8 million people around the world driven from their homes by shocks like drought, hurricanes, and landslides — around 50,000 people every day”, and “if sea levels continue to rise without intervention, many of those living near the ocean — about 40 percent of the world’s population — will be at risk of losing their homes”.

The good news is that many people are actively seeking a solution. For instance, the Equity Fund is investing in the leadership of Black, Latinx, AAPI, and indigenous communities bearing the brunt of climate change. By engaging voters in these communities, they are getting climate and clean energy policy solutions that reflect communities' priorities and advancing racial, economic, and environmental justice.

Here at UVA, we also want to do our parts. In “Climate Equity: A Better Future For All”, we aim to address the long-ignored issue of climate equity, and let more people know that not everyone is provided the resources to “go green”. We want our audience to know that the environmental crisis is not only about sustainability but also resources and power. For all artists participating, we want your works to be the voice of the unheard and tell the story that has been lingering outside the public’s sight.