• The role of the artist in the climate crisis is not simply to communicate scientific information in a sort of dressed up kind of way, but really to engage the imagination to do that thing that only art can do, which is getting at these almost imperceptible shifts in identity, in purpose and meaning, and the way that we as humans think about our relationship with the natural world and our place in it. It’s ineffable, that kind of shift. If that’s not the role of art, I don't know what is.  

Judi Pearl has been a passionate environmentalist since her early teens here in Ottawa, unceded Algonquin-Anishinaabe lands. 

In addition to her long-standing role with the English Theatre Department at the National Arts Centre, Judi formerly served on the boards of The Only Animal theatre company and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres also known as PACT.

Judi is also a co-founder, along with myself, Anjali Appadurai, Robin Sokoloski, David Maggs, Kendra Fanconi and Anthony Garoufalis-Auger of SCALE (Sectoral Climate Arts Leadership for the Emergency), a non-profit network of artists, cultural practitioners, and arts organisations committed to addressing the climate emergency. This organization was founded in 2021, where Judi was also the Operations Lead until 2023. You can learn about SCALE by listening to its current leader of SCALE, Annette Hegel, in e176 art as a tactic.

At the NAC, Judi has produced large-scale projects such as Grand Acts of Theatre, Stages of Transformation, the NAC Hip Hop Theatre Festival, the annual ceremony for the Siminovitch Prize (2016-2020) as well as Family Day (2011-2015), among many others. She was also the recipient of the CEO’s Award of Excellence in 2020. Well deserved, I’m sure. 

My first conversation with Judi  (e59 pearl – positive tipping points) took place during a walk in the park here in Ottawa where we talked about theatre, the climate emergency, collaboration, arts leadership, the intersection of arts and sustainability and elusive positive tipping points. I invite you to listen back to that episode:

• SCALE is really trying to become that gathering place that will engender that high level collaboration, which hopefully will create those positive tipping points.

Fast forward 3 years later and Judi has a new title at NAC English Theatre ‘Associate Producer, Artistic Programming and Environmental Projects’, which points to her long standing leadership role on environmental issues at the NAC and in the arts sector in general. 

Judi’s work these days has an increased focus on artistic programming such as the Irresistible Neighbourhoods, a multi-year play development project centered on themes of climate and sustainability, which nurtures both emerging and established playwrights to imagine alternative visions for the neighbourhoods they call home and I invite you to go all the way back to the second episode of this season, e155, where you can hear Sanita Fejzić talk about her Irresistible Neighbourhoods radio play Machines and Moss. When I first Sanita’s play I was blown away. I loved it. 

Irresistible Neighbourhoods

It was good to reconnect with Judi, the theatre producer and climate activist. I’ve always appreciated Judi’s insights on art and climate emergency policy as well as her moral clarity, for example : 

• What we hear is extremism on both sides, even though those extremist views are often, I think, a minority, and yet those are the voices we hear the most that get the most attention and then because of the way social media works or the media in general works, that extremism tends to beget more extremism, hence polarization just gets worse and worse. I really hope that the arts and artists can be a force to counter that trend.

Judi also observes that the arts are well placed to address these wounds :

• I think it's vitally important that artists hone, cultivate and maintain an ability to dialogue and listen and reach people who think differently.

And I think we should be grateful to Judi and her peers for working so hard to help set up SCALE and similar organizations that place the arts at the centre of the complex challenges that we face and thereby increasing their relevance. 

Judi’s recommended readings are : 

• Not the End of the World : How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet by Hannah Ritchie
• Fix the News by Angus Hervey

Note: This document was referred to during this conversation : Walking Gently on the Land (National Arts Centre Environmental Sustainability Action Plan 2023-2026)

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Sections of the episode (generated by AI and reviewed by Claude Schryer)

Reconnecting with Judi Pearl
Judi Pearl returns to the conscient podcast, reminiscing about past conversations and her journey in the arts. The discussion sets the stage for exploring her current role at the National Arts Centre and her commitment to environmental issues.

Judi’s Journey in the Arts
Judi shares her background as a theatre artist, highlighting her evolution from stage manager to associate producer at the National Arts Centre. She emphasizes her deep connection to Ottawa and her work in a large institution.

The NAC’s Environmental Commitment
The conversation shifts to the National Arts Centre’s environmental policies, including their new strategic plan and sustainability action plan. Judi discusses the importance of setting targets for waste, energy, and artistic programming.

Creative Green Tools and Climate Awareness
Judi and Claude elaborate on the Creative Green Tools in Canada and their relevance to measuring the environmental impact of the arts. Judi highlights the importance of raising awareness and establishing baselines for carbon footprints within institutions.

Irresistible Neighbourhoods: A New Artistic Initiative
The focus shifts to Judi’s artistic work at the NAC, particularly the ‘Irresistible Neighbourhoods’ project. She explains how this initiative aims to explore neighbourhoods through a climate lens, involving emerging playwrights in the creative process.

The Role of Climate Dramaturgy
Judi discusses the innovative concept of climate dramaturgy, introduced by Vicki Stroich, and its significance in shaping narratives around environmental issues. This approach encourages playwrights to imagine futures for their neighbourhoods beyond dystopian themes.

Integrating Music and Theatre
As the conversation continues, Judi shares insights on the integration of music and theatre in the second volume of ‘Irresistible Neighbourhoods.’ She highlights the collaborative process between composers and playwrights to create a unified artistic vision.

Art’s Potential for Cultural Shift
Judi reflects on the power of art to influence societal attitudes and values, drawing parallels with historical movements. She argues that cultural shifts are essential for driving political and economic change, particularly in the context of climate action.

Facing the Future: The Role of Arts
As we confront the uncertainties of the future, the conversation shifts to how the arts can play a pivotal role in addressing societal challenges. The discussion highlights the potential for the arts to foster resilience and adaptation in communities facing resource scarcity and climate change.

Bridging Divides: The Power of Dialogue
The dialogue emphasizes the importance of engaging with differing perspectives in an increasingly polarized world. Artists are encouraged to cultivate the ability to listen and connect with those who hold contrasting views, fostering a more inclusive discourse.

Navigating Modernity: A Call for Openness
The conversation delves into the complexities of modernity and the need for new visions as societal structures evolve. The speakers advocate for open dialogue and collaboration to address pressing issues, highlighting the potential of community-engaged arts.

Finding Hope Amidst Challenges
As the discussion turns to the media’s portrayal of current events, the speakers reflect on the necessity of sharing positive stories that inspire action and change. They recommend resources that highlight impactful initiatives