The effects of the climate catastrophe and related crises are increasingly being felt in an existential way here in Germany, as in other places. Given the largely inadequate political and societal responses to date, there is an urgent need to find ways to bring the crises of our time back into the public consciousness and spur appropriate action. Artistic projects can harness emotional and esthetic approaches to climate communication to foster dialogue, reflection and a willingness to take social action. On the one hand, the arts are themselves directly affected by the crisis-ridden developments of our time. On the other hand, as part of contemporary society, they also help drive these developments forward. The discussion will explore this tension from different perspectives and address various formats and approaches with our guests.
Professor Harald Lesch (LMU), Professor Christian Holler (Munich University of Applied Sciences) and Dr. Stefanie Strigl will be the panelists. Lilly Blödt (HM) and Vanessa Lombardi (LMU) will moderate the debate, while Samira Yildirim from the Lenbachhaus in Munich will be the evening’s host.
Together with the two moderators, the three panelists will offer very different perspectives on the topic: the view of a climate scientist, an angle from the field of art history and another take from the field of communication management. All the participants have experience with art-based climate communication, which they will present to the audience with the aim of engaging in conversation with guests.
Schedule:
• 6-7 p.m.: Panel discussion and presentation of various examples of art-based climate communication (concert formats, illustrated books and projects by musicology students as a complement to an exhibition at the Lenbachhaus)
• 7-7:30 p.m.: Discussion with guests
The event is part of LMU Sustainability Week, which will take place from 9-13 November 2026 at various LMU locations.
Prior registration is required. For more information, please see the LMU Sustainability Week program.