Coventry City of Culture celebrations highlight impact of environmental crisis

Coventry City of Culture celebrations have been highlighting the impact of the global environmental crisis this weekend.Local female artists have been leading a 'walking forest' performance, where they've been moving around with two 7m tree limbs that were recently felled in Warwickshire.

The artists said they're highlighting the "devastating impact of human behaviour on the planet, and its ecosystem."

The performance formed part of the Green Futures programme at Coventry UK City of Culture, which was given £3 million in funding to show how arts, culture and heritage can "act as a vehicle" for climate action.

Artist Ruth Ben-Tovim tells ITV Central the artwork 'brings into the centre of Coventry things which are often visible, and to make visible the impact that human beings are having on the natural world.'

Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director of Coventry City of Culture Trust said: "Walking Forest is a call to action for women activists in Coventry and further afield. Rooted in our communities, it will take the stories of Coventry women to Glasgow next month when world leaders gather to focus conversation on the climate crisis."

Walking Forest Coventry began with a camp for Coventry women in May 2021, which was followed by a series of design workshops over the autumn.

Following its time in Coventry, the tree and some of the participants and artists, will make their way to Glasgow for COP26, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties.

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