Green Shift Festival: at the crossroads of imagination, culture and art as a lifeline
Over three days, the Green Shift Festival celebrated eco-friendly imagination through discussions, artistic performances and workshops.
The Green Shift Festival, held from 5 to 7 June in Monaco, demonstrated that art, pop culture and a spiritual approach can be effective tools for raising environmental awareness. As part of the event, organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Foundation’s Vice-President Olivier Wenden emphasised the determination to address environmental issues "without eco-anxiety, far away from figures and experts. The idea is to listen to our hearts rather than our brains, to talk about ecology from an emotional rather than a rational perspective".
In a similar vein, Magali Payen, founder of Imagine 2050, highlighted the important role played by artists in mobilising the public around environmental issues. Japanese pop culture expert Cédric Biscay added that this "soft power" makes it possible to disseminate ideas without being too preachy, making the environmental transition more accessible through entertainment. But it is also about reconnecting with the living world and offering new ways of thinking, a sustainable future to which we can aspire rather than one we fear, as is the case today with the catastrophic projections that are constantly being pushed.
An emotional perspective on ecology: an inclusive, positive approach
Promoting an emotional perspective on ecology, one which speaks to the heart and the imagination, was the goal of the Green Shift Festival in 2024. Through artistic performances, workshops and discussions, participants were encouraged to imagine and create a more harmonious world. Proof that change – vital change – is not only possible but can also be desirable and exciting. The festival hosted a wide range of personalities, including writer and sailor Olivier Le Carrer, anthropologist Hélène Collongues, shaman Mapuche Jorge Quilaqueo, visual artist Bianca Bondi and pop culture experts Cédric Biscay, Matthieu Pinon and Xavier Leherpeur. These speakers shared their visions and experience, enriching the debate on ecology and resilience. Their stories highlighted the importance of personal and collective commitment to a sustainable future.
Guests working towards a desirable future
Japan, with its long history of environmental awareness, was a focus. Matthieu Pinon explained how geographical constraints and natural hazards have led the Japanese people to live in harmony with nature. Works such as the manga series Dr. Stone depict this relationship. The series tells the story of how civilisation was rebuilt following a disaster, highlighting the importance of nature and traditional methods. Film critic Xavier Leherpeur also noted the impact of fictional works on environmental awareness. Films such as Silent Running and Godzilla raised awareness about the dangers of nuclear energy and the importance of protecting the environment. The Incredible Shrinking Man is another example, showing how an individual adapts to a transformed environment, emphasising resilience and the importance of co-existing with nature.
Green Shift Festival: 2024 event is a motivator
The Green Shift Festival, in its second year, continues to position itself as an unmissable event for all those keen to see ecology through a new, positive and inclusive prism. By bringing together culture and the environment, it opens up a path for stories and imaginations that inspire and mobilise. It will be back in June 2025. But there will be no resting on laurels until then. The Green Shift Festival also encourages action. Join in local initiatives, get involved with environmental organisations, cut down your plastic consumption, opt for sustainable transport and choose greener holidays to reduce your environmental footprint. By following the example of the works and stories shared at the festival, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future that takes better care of nature.
Article by Florence Santrot published on 11 June 2024 as part of a media partnership between We Demain and Green Shift Festival (photo © FPA2/Philippe Fitte and Stéphane Danna)
Green Shift 2024 guests: Maud Baignères, Cédric Biscay, Bianca Bondi, Sinath Bou, Charles Carmignac, Collectif Minuit 12, Hélène Collongues, Olivier Le Carrer, Xavier Leherpeur, Magali Payen, Matthieu Pinon, Xavier Polycarpe, Laure Prouvost, Jorge Quilaqueo, Sabah Rahmani, Sébastien Uscher.
