What is Cultural Reforesting?
Come together to explore our relationship with nature
Cultural Reforesting is one of our main strands of work. It asks the big question: How can we renew our relationship with nature? We commission artists to explore this question through on-going research, multi-disciplinary projects, participatory events and artworks.
Cultural Reforesting is active. It is participatory. Cultural Reforesting is for everyone. One artist noted: ‘You can only learn with the wind on your nose.’ We invite you to feel the wind on your nose and learn alongside us.
The Cultural Reforesting programme is set in the context of the ecological crises of our time. Scientists have given this decade as the crucial 10 years in which to find climate solutions. Richmond Council declared Climate Emergency in 2019. We are now nearly halfway through this vital decade. So, what can we all do?
We support artists wishing to explore local solutions to this crisis, and feel that Orleans House Gallery, with its vibrant grounds and creative setting, can be a place where everyone can come to collaborate, find a community and make a difference, no matter how personal or small.
We hope that artists – working with scientists, further researchers, volunteers and other participants – will turn this place into a vibrant community of people taking action.
Orleans House Gallery can become a place for hope and ideas in our ecological crisis.
Cultural Reforesting is about:
- Environmental justice
- Biodiversity, ecology and botany
- Climate Emergency
- Indigenous knowledge and perspectives
- Local solutions
- Imagination and creativity
- Well-being
- Ecocentrism
- Education
Cultural Reforesting began in May 2021, with a wide-ranging exhibition, Remember the Future. The programme continues with artist projects and a new Cultural Reforesting exhibition. The exhibition is open 27 March – 31 August 2025 and encourages you to re-engage your human animal, through all of your senses and your soaring imagination.
Explore upcoming and past events that relate to Cultural Reforesting.