James Aldridge is a visual artist with experience of working in museum and gallery education, of setting up and delivering arts projects with schools and community groups, of delivering training for teachers and artists, and of acting as a consultant through project development/evaluation, public speaking and writing for publication.
"I see creative ecology as a form of participatory arts practice and consultancy, which enables people to develop interconnected personal and environmental awareness, through supported creative development and access to their local natural environment.
By working and learning together in creative ways, we can develop and promote inclusive and sustainable ways of living in our communities, and a greater sense of well-being within each individual." (James Aldridge)
Projects that
encourage each individual to explore their own creativity within the
context of their local environment can
encourage learning from across the curriculum, improve mental and physical
health, and contribute to the development of more sustainable
communities.
creative ecology aims to give participants opportunities for learning about
themselves and their natural, social and cultural environment in ways
that are accessible and enjoyable and which promote ecological literacy and community cohesion.
"Since the Imagination arises from the child's contact with nature, each child is a born ecologist. Thus save the children to save the imagination to save the planet."
James Hillman.