Earth Day Network India “Artists For The Earth Folk Art Exhibition on the Earth Day 2024 global theme Planet vs. Plastics” on 5th September, 2024, Teachers’ Day.

To commemorate the 54th anniversary of Earth Day, EARTH DAY NETWORK INDIA launched a distinctive competition to focus on the Earth Day 2024 theme ‘Planet vs. Plastics’ that advocated for a decrease in plastic production and consumption, as well as the responsible management of any waste.

The contest invited young “Artists for the Earth” to create original artworks centred around this theme, with the goal of nurturing a sense of environmental consciousness and creativity among the younger generation, thereby fostering optimism for a more sustainable future. In homage to the harmonious relationship between Indigenous peoples and nature, the artistic styles utilized were limited to recognized folk art forms in India.

We were overwhelmed by the extraordinary response. 400 artworks were received, showcasing a diverse range of illustrations. The submissions included several young talents, some as young as six years old, demonstrating remarkable artistic ability and a deep concern for the environmental impact of plastics.

Each artist provided an explanation of their illustration and mentioned the art form used. After careful consideration, 54 pieces were selected to be compiled in an eBook which was released at a prestigious art gallery in Delhi by the Director of the National Museum of Natural History, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. The Director was so impressed with the artworks that she announced her office’s intention to exhibit them in all the regional museums across India.

The event had several of the “Artists for the Earth” engage with the guests and effectively communicate the message of “Planet vs. Plastics.” Karuna Singh, Regional Director for Asia at EARTHDAY.ORG remarked, “The thoughtfulness evident in the artworks is truly amazing. It is comforting to know that Earth is in good hands and that these dedicated environmental stewards understand the issue and thus will go ahead to help eradicate plastic pollution.”

Guest speakers provided detailed insight into the negative impact of plastics and presented cost-effective alternative solutions. The Founder of the Why Waste Wednesdays Foundation emphasized the capacity of art to motivate action and increase awareness regarding the pressing necessity to safeguard our planet.

A senior forester from the Indian Forest Service underscored the detrimental effects of plastics on other species as well and highlighted the potential of visually impactful initiatives to inspire actions in line with the Earth Day 2024 theme. ‘The UNDP estimates that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans,’ he warned.

The art gallery also organized a visit by 35 underprivileged children to the gallery, inspiring them to create their own drawings on the theme.

Earth Day Network India (EDN) is a trust registered in India since 2011. Our work is inspired by the global environmental NGO EARTHDAY.ORG, which grew out of the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, and today engages with over 150,000 organizations in some 190 countries to advance the environmental movement.

For more information, please contact [email protected]; Rumit Walia at 9654940577 or Neela Majumdar at 9830014934.