Street Works Earth Festival Brings Climate Action and Art to Queens

On September 22, 2024, the inaugural Street Works Earth festival will transform 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens into a vibrant showcase of art and climate activism. This free, open-air event aims to spark joy and inspire action on climate and environmental justice issues during New York Climate Week.

Organized by Make Justice Normal (MJN), Street Works Earth will feature 17 interactive art installations and 23 climate and civic action tables along one of America's longest open streets. The festival's location in Jackson Heights, a diverse community where over 150 languages are spoken, underscores the global impact of climate change on marginalized populations.

The event brings together a diverse group of artists, climate experts, and community organizations to create a unique platform for public engagement. Interactive installations will explore themes such as food waste, emergency management, and community-led climate solutions. Artists were paired with climate experts from organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund and Queens Climate Project to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and create compelling, informative experiences for attendees.

Street Works Earth represents a significant shift in how climate activism and public art intersect. By bringing these conversations out of traditional galleries and museums and onto the streets, the festival aims to reach a broader, more diverse audience and inspire grassroots action. The event's design principles emphasize collaboration between artists and climate experts, creating a model for future initiatives that bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and creative expression.

The festival's civic engagement component is equally important, with 23 climate and civic action tables offering concrete ways for attendees to get involved in local and global climate initiatives. Participating organizations range from local groups like the 34 Avenue Open Streets Coalition to national entities like the Environmental Defense Fund, providing a comprehensive view of climate action opportunities.

Street Works Earth's innovative approach to climate activism could have far-reaching implications for how communities engage with environmental issues. By combining art, science, and civic engagement in a public space, the festival creates a template for inclusive, accessible climate education and action. This model could be particularly impactful in reaching communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in climate discussions.

The event also highlights the potential of open streets and public spaces as venues for community building and social change. As cities worldwide grapple with issues of sustainability and livability, Street Works Earth demonstrates how reclaimed urban spaces can become catalysts for creativity, education, and civic engagement.

Supported by a coalition of partners including the Environmental Defense Fund, the NYC Racial Equity Endowment Fund, and the Queens Arts Fund, Street Works Earth represents a collaborative effort to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. As climate change continues to impact communities globally, initiatives like this festival play a crucial role in building public awareness, fostering community resilience, and inspiring collective action.

As the inaugural Street Works Earth prepares to launch, its success could pave the way for similar events in other cities, creating a network of community-driven, artistically-inspired climate action initiatives. By reimagining how we engage with climate issues in public spaces, Street Works Earth offers a hopeful vision for the future of environmental activism and community empowerment.