Calls for Action, 2024

Calls for Action is a series of participatory interventions that bridge the world of contemporary art with large-scale forest conservation. Consisting of two-way livestreams between cultural institutions and endangered natural landscapes, it stages encounters beyond mere spectatorship, where by listening to and speaking with the forest, we become better equipped to act on its behalf. 

Each iteration is unique and site-specific, responding to the history and ecology of the distinct locations it brings together. A permanent feature of the artwork is the presence of a telephone, through which a dialogue can be established between city and forest. In the latter, omnidirectional microphones are installed to capture local soundscapes, while a small speaker projects speech from the museum visitors. In order to not disturb wildlife, the sound is set below human speech levels, matching that of bird song. Through this interaction, the public is invited to a both playful and radical intervention, becoming both participants and protectors who can lend their voices to some of Earth’s most endangered environments, while simultaneously raising awareness for deforestation and the urgent need to support the local actors and the indigenous communities that safeguard these woodlands. 

Calls for Action aims for lasting environmental impact not only by summoning emotional resonance to threatened landscapes, but also by directly supporting permanent conservation. This is made possible through an ongoing partnership with the artist-run non-profit Art into Acres and the global conservation organization Re:wild, whose involvement ensures a rigorous ethical and ecological framework for each site and technical implementation. As the project evolves, new critical ecosystems and ancient forests across the globe are woven into its network, marking the beginning of a transformative journey in which the power of art becomes a catalyst for communication and positive change, while also practically funding the permanent and participatory protection of critical ecosystems around the world.

Visit the artwork’s website to learn more about it: callsforaction.net

All works by Julian Charrière. Images: ©The Artist / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

Calls for Action’s first iteration, developed in partnership with Art into Acres, Re:wild and Fundación Jocotoco, and presented by Fondation Beyeler, established a dialogue with two distinct ecosystems in Ecuador:

• An Ecuadorian Western Andean Cloud Forest and Basel’s Münsterplatz, Switzerland, as part of the Globus Public Art Project (June 8 – October 6, 2024)

• An Ecuadorian Coastal Forest and Museum Frieder Burda in Baden-Baden, Germany, as part of the exhibition I Feel the Earth Whisper (June 15 – November 3, 2024)

ART INTO ACRES is an artist-founded, non-profit initiative that supports large-scale land conservation with a focus on biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples-led efforts. Alongside the support of artists, galleries and institutions, and in collaboration with matching fund partners, Art into Acres has supported the permanent conservation of millions of hectares of tropical and boreal forest to date. Projects are locally-led and based on community-voiced interests.

Learn more at arttoacres.org

RE:WILD is a global organization supporting environmental causes around the world. Founded by a group of renowned conservation scientists together with Leonardo DiCaprio and combining more than 35 years of conservation impact, Re:wild is a force multiplier that brings together Indigenous peoples, local communities, influential leaders, nongovernmental organizations, governments, companies, and the public to protect and rewild at the scale and speed we need.

Learn more at rewild.org

FUNDACIÓN DE CONSERVACIÓN JOCOTOCO protects irreplaceable regions that are essential to maintain life on earth owing to their uniqueness and high concentration of biodiversity. On just 40,000 ha, Jocotoco protects 11% of all bird species in the world. Dozens of plants, reptiles, and amphibians have found their sole refuge in Jocotoco’s reserves, occurring nowhere else. Jocotoco treasures its deep connection to nature. What makes Jocotoco different from other organizations is the ‘boots on the ground,’ 80% of its 124 staff live around the reserves.

Learn more at https://www.jocotoco.org