Artful Migration Conference

Artful Migration Conference 
An exploration of artists-in-residence, birds on the move, and habitats in transition

Friday 20^th October 2023, 9:30am - 5pm
Easterbrook Hall, Duncan Room, The Crichton, Dumfries, DG1 4ZE

Our first Artful Migration Conference will be available in person and online and will:

• Reveal the achievements and challenges of three innovative artist residency programmes developed by Upland and Moving Souls Dance, hosted in local areas of wildlife importance. We will hear the artists’ views about the opportunities to make and exhibit work, and their engagement with local people, on the shared theme of migratory birds and their habitats.
• Reflect on how the artists have responded to the challenges facing these birds, including shifting weather patterns and changing management of habitats.
• Listen to keynote speakers from conservation and ecological art perspectives illuminating further the contexts and approaches involved in this work, encompassing artistic practice, conservation, citizen engagement, sustainable land management and the manner in which these approaches overlap.
• Consider the implications of Artful Migration for global agendas on the conservation of migratory species and the complex mix of values and contexts at stake.
• Celebrate the partnerships and collaborations stimulated by Artful Migration, and discuss where these might lead in future!

Who is this conference for?

• Bird enthusiasts and anyone concerned with nature conservation
• Young people engaged with climate change activism/ climate science and environmental issues
• Organisations and audiences who engage with the arts in a place-based context
• Artists, enthusiasts, volunteers, activists with an interest in the natural world and commitment to sustainable lifestyles and creative practices
• Academics and scientists who research and contribute to the fields of policy and decision-making in conservation, sustainable land management, eco-tourism and related disciplines
• Policy makers, land management agents/agencies, farmers and publicly owned venues concerned with management of the natural environment of Dumfries & Galloway
• International conservationists and organisations concerned with migratory species and their conservation needs

Keynote speakers: Sacha Dench (UN Ambassador for Migratory Species) Co-founder of Conservation without Borders, scientist, campaigner for climate action and Chris Fremantle, Research Fellow and Lecturer at Gray's School of Art, producer of public art and design projects, a writer/editor in particular on ecoartscotland.net.

Lunch & refreshments will be provided (vegetarian & vegan).

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME HERE.
The morning session featuring presentations will also be live streamed.

BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE.

About the venue:

Directions
Easterbrook Hall is located 2km south of Dumfries town centre. It is bounded to the east and west by Bankend Road and the B725 Glencaple Road. There are several bus stops within The Crichton with buses regularly running to and from the town centre. There is free onsite parking just in front of Easterbrook Hall and the postcode is DG1 4TL. EV charging points and bicycle racks are also available.

Access
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible. There is ramp access with automatic doors to the right of the main entrance. Once inside the building all areas are level access.
When booking a ticket you will be asked to let us know about any specific access requirements. If you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact us at hello@weareupland.com