What is the role of art and artists in capturing the impacts of climate change? What responsibility do arts organisations have to engage audiences and encourage action on environmental issues?
‘Melting Ice | Rising Tides’ is an exhibition by Royal Academician Emma Stibbon at The Burton at Bideford (10 May – 5 July 2025). It considers how the warming environment of the polar regions is impacting on the changing UK coastline, and makes connections between the remote extremes of our planet and our more familiar local landscapes.
Polar ice melt can seem like an overwhelming idea – too far away to conceive, too big to be able to make a difference. Emma Stibbon observes and records the precariousness of polar ice sheets and glaciers, and the profound effect that melting ice is having on global sea level rise.
This symposium brings the themes of ‘Melting Ice| Rising Tides’ into a scholarly context for audiences interested in the intersection of art and the environment. The day-long event brings together artists, scientists, academics, curators, arts organisations and local environmental agencies to ground the conversations in the practicalities of local landscapes and action. It offers a day of expert insights and collaborative conversations for everyone with an interest in art and the environment.
The Burton at Bideford is located in a designated National Landscape and part of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Symposium is supported by Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art and The Friends of The Burton.
Find out more about ‘Melting Ice | Rising Tides’
Find out more about Emma Stibbon RA
Schedule (subject to alteration)
10am // Director’s Welcome from Harriet Cooper and introduction to local context from Chris Fuller, Torridge District Council. Exhibition visit of ‘Melting Ice | Rising Tides’
11am // Panel Discussion 1 Global to Local: How can art play a part in raising local awareness of global environmental events?
Speakers:
Emma Stibbon, Artist and Royal Academician
Heidi Mostang. Filmmaker and Associate Professor in Photography, University of Plymouth
Anne Le Brocq, Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography, Glaciologist and Researcher, University of Exeter
Chair:
Tracey Elliot, The Pickwell Foundation
12.00 // Roundtable Take your place at the table and share your views with local environmental agencies including North Devon Biosphere, The Resurgence Trust, Torridge District Council, Exeter Science Centre, Earth Action North Devon and The Pickwell Foundation
Convenor: Katy Lee, Community Animator, North Devon Biosphere
1pm // Lunch Provided by The Farmers Arms, Woolsery (included in ticket price)
2pm // Panel Discussion 2 What is the role of arts organisations and scholarship in communicating the climate crisis?
Speakers:
John Kenneth Paranada, inaugural Curator of Art and Climate Change at the Sainsbury Centre
Helen Record, Head of Research and Content at Robilant+Voena and former curator at the Royal Academy
Chair:
Harriet Cooper, Director, The Burton at Bideford
3pm // Creative Workshop An opportunity to reflect on the day
3.45pm // Closing Remarks
4pm // End
Who is this event for?
We invite everyone with an interest in art and/or the environment, whether professional or personal, to attend this event and contribute your thoughts and ideas.
Suitable for 16+.
How to book
Call the gallery on 01237 471455 or book via Eventbrite using the button above. Please note that bookings via Eventbrite incur a booking fee. If Eventbrite is showing the event as sold out please call the gallery as there may still be spaces.
Concessionary rates
All tickets can be booked via Eventbrite or by calling the gallery on 01237 471455. Please note that bookings via Eventbrite incur a booking fee. If you have booked a concessionary ticket rate (65+, Student/Universal Credit) please bring your 65+ ID/Student ID/Universal Credit letter on the symposium day.
Cancellations and refunds
Ticket cancelled with under 7 days’ notice are non-refundable. An Eventbrite admin fee will be automatically deducted for workshops cancelled with more than 7 days’ notice.
Accessibility and/or dietary requirements
If you have any accessibility and/or dietary requirements please let us know at the time of booking.
Car parking
This event takes place at The Burton at Bideford. We are situated on the edge of Victoria Park in Bideford, next to a Torridge District Council owned car park where charges apply. For more details on parking in Bideford, visit the Torridge District Council website.
About The Burton at Bideford
The Burton at Bideford is a National Portfolio Organisation and one of the leading cultural venues in the South West, attracting over 160,000 visitors last year. It is situated in the historic town of Bideford, where agriculture, craft and maritime heritage meet at the water’s edge. With two exhibition spaces, a museum, craft gallery, shop and café, The Burton provides opportunities for everyone of all ages to access and engage with artists, collections and exhibitions.
The Burton is committed to environmental sustainability in all areas of the organisation and continues to take steps to reduce carbon emissions year on year. With support of a grant from Arts Council England the gallery has recently installed rooftop solar panels, updated glazing to reduce heat loss, and installed new toilets that improve accessibility and energy efficiency.
With generous support from:
Main image: Emma onboard Antigua drawing. Credit: Tristan Duke
