Conservation Charity Artwork Showcased at COP26

It is a huge thrill to showcase the work of our contributors on the world’s biggest stage, and to reinforce the message of ‘Protect and Restore‘

Norfolk-based conservation charity Explorers Against Extinction has pieces from its Sketch for Survival art collection being exhibited at COP26, taking place at the SEC in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November.

Up to 30,000 delegates are expected to descend on Glasgow for the conference. COP26 is the biggest summit the UK has ever hosted and is the most significant climate event since COP21, the 2015 United Nations climate conference which resulted in the Paris Agreement.

There were over 7,000 applicants for exhibition space in the Blue Zone of the conference with just 15 art/photography exhibits being selected by the organisers.

The co-founders of the charity, Robert Ferguson and Sara White, travelled to Glasgow to install their exhibition  last week and will return to attend the conference next month.

Sara White said: “It is a huge thrill to showcase the work of our contributors on the world’s biggest stage, and to reinforce the message of ‘Protect and Restore‘ through our art and photography collections. All 25 pieces being displayed at COP26 feature endangered species or at-risk wild spaces and provide an important visual cue, reminding us that we must take action now to limit climate change.”

Activity at COP takes place in two different zones – the Blue Zone and the Green Zone.

The Blue Zone is for people registered with the UN body tasked with coordinating the global response to the threat of climate change . It is here that delegates from countries meet for both formal negotiations and informal consultations. They may also take part in meetings with other delegations to clarify their position and interests with the aim of reaching agreement or overcoming a negotiating deadlock.

The Green Zone is for the general public. There will be a wide range of events, including workshops, art exhibitions and installations, as well as presentations, demonstrations of technology and musical performances for everyone to attend.

Explorers Against Extinction organises a range of initiatives to raise awareness about global conservation issues from Climate Change to the Illegal Wildlife Trade.

Every year professional and celebrity artists including the likes of Stephen Fry, Bill Nighy, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Joni Mitchell donate original artwork to Sketch for Survival. Amateurs, including junior artists, can win a place in the collection through a free-to-enter competition.

All proceeds from the sale of artwork support important frontline projects all around the world.

The complete Sketch for Survival collection, including the original versions of the artwork exhibited at COP26,  can be viewed online at the charity's website,  or in person at gallery@oxo on London’s South Bank in November before being sold via online fundraising auction which concludes on 28 November.

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