‘Ten Years to Save the World’ international comic exhibition opens in Manchester in response to the climate crisis

A new exhibition ‘Ten Years to Save the World’ is coming to Manchester from 1 – 12 November. The exhibition is a showcase of comic artwork and storytelling in response to the climate crisis by leading comic artists in the UK and the Philippines.

The free exhibition, held to coincide with COP26, is being held at SeeSaw, 86 Princess St, Manchester M1 6NG and is open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.

‘Ten Years to Save the World’ demonstrates the power of comics to stimulate climate change action. Aimed at 18 to 24 year olds, but with a powerful message for us all, the project is a collaboration between Manchester- based climate change communications specialists Creative Concern, The Lakes International Comic Art Festival and Komiket in the Philippines.

The project is one of the British Council’s Creative Commissions, exploring climate change through art, science and digital technology. The commissions aim to stimulate global conversations about climate change and to inspire transformational change.

It is an incredible showcase for the diversity and power of comics. Crucially, the work has been informed and shaped by young people from both countries, who took part in online discussions to develop the brief for the artists.

The exhibition features ten internationally celebrated artists – Manix Abrera, Kajo Baldisimo with Budjette Tan, Sayra Begum, Darren Cullen, Ren Galeno, Emiliana Kampilan, Kevin Eric Raymundo, Zoom Rockman, Jack Teagle and Clarice Tudor.

The Ten Years to Save the World comics can also be read and shared for free online at www.10yearstosavetheworld.com

Julie Tait, Director, The Lakes International Comic Art Festival said: “The project has an urgent message, we have ten years to make the big changes required to save our planet, it’s as simple as that. This digital anthology we hope demonstrates the important role art and specifically comic art can play in responding to the climate crisis. The partners in this project believe that comics can change the world and now, more than ever, we need to use their strength as a force for good.”

Chris Dessent of climate change communications agency Creative Concern said: “We want people to read and share these comics and the big issues they explore. Our hope is that this will lead to more climate action and more engagement in these urgent issues. Our belief is that knowledge is power and that comics are the ideal art form to help bring the climate crisis to a wider audience.”

The ‘Ten Years to Save the World’ comics tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time including ocean pollution, deforestation, plastics, green washing, corporate corruption, climate justice and the anxiety caused from living with the realities of climate change.

Thank you to all of the artists and to the British Council for making this project possible. You can help contribute to 10 Years to Save the World by sharing the comic artwork and stories on your own channels or with your organisation. To view the artwork please go to the website www.10yearstosavetheworld.com