Are You Among the 70 Artists Who Could Change Climate History? Apply for This Urgent Residency!

HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (CCMAC) is calling for applications from local kamaʻāina artists for its innovative Climate Action Residency Program. This initiative seeks to engage four artists who will use their creative talents to address pressing issues related to climate change within their communities. The program will run from June 2026 to February 2027, providing selected artists with a unique opportunity to collaborate with local county departments on their home islands.

Artists will participate in monthly meetings to identify and highlight relevant climate topics, which may include food waste, fire risk, agriculture, and energy. This hands-on experience is designed to facilitate a deeper connection between the artists and their communities, ultimately inspiring residents to engage with the critical climate challenges facing Hawaiʻi.

“This residency has given me renewed motivation to bring my works out of my studio and into the community,” said Benjamin Fairfield, a 2024 selected artist in residence. “I enjoyed collaborating with local elementary schools to have students think through how, where and why everyday products are sourced, consumed, and discarded.”

Applications for the Climate Action Residency are now open, with a deadline of May 1, 2026. Each selected artist will receive a stipend of $7,000, which will cover materials and travel costs. Additionally, their artwork will be exhibited at Capitol Modern, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum in Honolulu, in early 2027.

The program welcomes artists working across various media, including painting, sculpture, music, digital art, videography, textiles, and photography. This diversity of artistic expression is vital to conveying the multifaceted nature of climate issues and engaging a broad audience. As climate change continues to impact the islands, the role of art in fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and inspiring action becomes increasingly important.

The CCMAC emphasizes that the residency is not just a platform for artists but a collaborative effort aimed at empowering communities to address climate challenges. By intertwining art with climate action, the program hopes to stimulate conversations that can lead to innovative solutions and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards in Hawaiʻi.

For those interested in applying for this unique opportunity, further details can be found on the CCMAC’s website at https://climate.hawaii.gov/art/. For additional inquiries, potential applicants can contact Udi Mandel Butler, CCMAC climate action program manager, at [email protected]

This residency initiative reflects a growing recognition of the power of art in advocacy and education, especially in regions like Hawaiʻi, where the landscape and culture are intricately linked to the environment. As artists embark on this collaborative journey, they will not only amplify their voices but also contribute to a collective effort that seeks to combat the ever-pressing issue of climate change.