What happens when art meets activism? It creates a powerful current of change, emotion, and connection. This March, you have the chance to be part of that current.
The Burrinja Cultural Centre, in collaboration with the globally recognised creative producer CLIMARTE, invites you to a unique workshop that blends performance, nature, and a vital message of climate action.
Join us on Sunday, 1 March, 2026, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, for an immersive experience led by actor and theatre maker Catherine Abigail Ward. This session is an opportunity to connect with the environment through creativity, inspired by one of the most ambitious public art projects of our time.
From the Congo to the Arctic: The Story of The Herds
To understand the heart of this workshop, we must first look to The Herds. This monumental public art initiative, from the creators of the global human rights symbol Little Amal, was an unprecedented call for climate action. It featured a collection of life-size puppet animals from elephants to caribou, on an incredible 20,000-kilometre journey. Their symbolic migration began in Kinshasa in the Congo Basin and ended at Nordkapp in the Arctic Circle, representing a desperate flight from climate disaster.
Catherine Abigail Ward was the only Australian puppeteer in the international cast that brought these creatures to life. For three months, she travelled with the project, performing for communities and witnessing the power of art to communicate the urgency of our planetary crisis. She describes it as a "profound and extraordinary experience in all ways." This workshop offers a rare window into that journey, translating its global scale into a personal, local experience.
A Creative Flock: What to Expect at the Workshop
This inclusive and interactive workshop, suitable for ages eight and up, is designed to be an active, hands-on exploration of art and ecology. Catherine will guide participants through the lens of local bird species and the ecosystems they rely upon. You don't need any prior art or performance experience, just a willingness to create and connect.
Create Your Own Bird Puppet
The session begins with a simple yet engaging puppet-making process. Using ‘observe’ and ‘replicate’ modes of making, you will craft your own bird puppet. This creative act is more than just an arts and crafts project; it's a way to engage deeply with the form and essence of a living creature, fostering a personal connection to the natural world.
Learn to Move as One
Once your puppet is complete, the workshop transforms into a lesson in movement and behaviour. You will explore how animals move and interact, learning to flock and move together as a group. This collective performance element helps participants understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the power of group action. It’s a physical, embodied way to experience concepts of community and collaboration.
The Power of Storytelling in Conservation
At its core, this workshop explores how performers, puppeteers, and artists can partner with conservationists, scientists, and activists. Art has a unique ability to translate complex data and scientific urgency into something we can feel. It creates powerful emotional connections that inspire us to care and act.
Catherine will share her personal reflections on how The Herds moved audiences and sparked conversations about climate change across continents. You will gain insights into how storytelling and performance can become vital tools for environmental advocacy. This session demonstrates that creativity is not just a response to the world; it is a way to change it.
An Inclusive Event for All Ages
This workshop is for everyone. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and individuals to be engaged in a meaningful and enjoyable activity. It provides a space to discuss important topics like conservation and climate action in a hopeful and empowering way. To make the most of the experience, we recommend that young learners be accompanied by an adult.
Join us at the Burrinja Cultural Centre for a day of making, moving, and connecting. Step away from the headlines and into a tangible, creative response to one of the greatest challenges of our time. Learn how your hands and your heart can contribute to the story of a more sustainable future.
Book your spot today to be part of this special event.
CJ Baxter – Community Visual Arts Producer
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