Event Details

Lancaster University School of Arts is partnering with the Lancashire Arts Network for Developing Sustainability (LANDS) to host a day of creativity, conversation and collaboration exploring the role of the arts in responding to the climate crisis.

Taking place on Wednesday 18 November 2026 at Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA), the LANDS Assembly: Creativity, Culture & Climate Action will bring together artists, freelancers, cultural organisations, researchers and communities from across Lancashire to share ideas and develop creative responses to climate change and climate justice.

The partnership builds on the School of Arts' Artistic Intelligences in Place event, held in June 2026, which brought together around 80 researchers and regional partners to explore how creative research and development can respond to challenges in technology, environment and society.

Arts Lancashire was among the organisations contributing to that event, leading a discussion on the role of creative freelancers in a transforming society. The LANDS Assembly continues this conversation, creating further opportunities for artists, researchers and cultural organisations to exchange knowledge, develop professional networks and explore the contribution of creative practice to environmental and social change.

The Assembly will feature a screening of The People's Emergency Briefing, providing a starting point for discussion about the climate emergency and the role of creative practitioners in responding to it. Participants will take part in group conversations and collaborative activities, sharing experiences and developing ideas and pledges for future creative action.

The event forms part of the School's wider commitment to working with regional partners, connecting artistic research with the places, communities and environmental challenges of Morecambe Bay, Lancashire and the Lake District.

Free places available for Lancaster University students

As part of the partnership, the School of Arts is offering a limited number of free places for Lancaster University students to attend the Assembly.

For students interested in careers in the creative industries, the event offers an opportunity to meet practising artists, creative producers and cultural organisations from across Lancashire, develop professional connections and gain insight into how environmental sustainability is shaping artistic practice, creative commissioning and cultural work.

Students studying fine art, design, performance and related subjects, or with an interest in climate action and socially engaged creative practice, are encouraged to apply.

To apply, students should submit a short expression of interest (maximum 150 words) explaining why they would like to attend and how the opportunity relates to their studies, creative interests or career aspirations.

Application deadline: Tuesday 10 November 2026

Send expressions of interest to: nathan.jones@lancaster.ac.uk

Places are limited. Successful applicants will receive confirmation by email.

Event details

LANDS Assembly: Creativity, Culture & Climate Action

Date: Wednesday 18 November 2026

Time: 9.30am–4pm

Venue: Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA), Lancaster University

Tickets: £10 per person, including lunch. Free for selected student applicants.

The Assembly is open to artists, musicians, freelancers, cultural organisations, researchers and anyone interested in the role of creativity in responding to the climate crisis.

View the full programme and book your place

Find out more about the LANDS network.