On December 8, 2024, community members in New York City gathered at the Queens Council on the Arts for

ClimART Café

an event hosted by Climate Café and Climate Storytelling 2075 in the 2024 gallery space.

The event began with a guided tour of the Climate Storytelling 2075 exhibit, led by Co-Founders Robert Dellinger and Laken Sylvander, and included a performance by Cohort 1 artist Cairo Croon. Jolly Patel of Climate Café facilitated a group meditation and led a heartfelt discussion about the emotions stirred by the climate crisis, offering a communal space for attendees to share.

“Can Climate Cafes Help Ease the Anxiety of Planetary Crisis?” asks The New York Times. The New York chapter of Climate Café answers this question with events like this collaboration, designed to help people confront climate anxiety, connect with impactful local organizing, and inspire camaraderie, creativity, and joy. Their motto—“Alone we burn out. Together we thrive!”—captures the spirit of these gatherings.

The Queens Council on the Arts provided a grounding and inspiring setting, surrounded by the Climate Storytelling 2075 exhibit and extending into the Orinoco Show by Ofrenda, also on display in the gallery. The event welcomed a diverse group of attendees, including regular Climate Café participants, newcomers curious to learn more, and passersby exploring Long Island City. Together with three featured artists, they explored visions of ideal climate futures in a celebration of collective humanity and hope for the future.

Catch the next Climate Cafe event in NYC: visit https://www.climatecafe.eco.

Thank you to Benjamin Von Wong for attending and photographing the gallery tour, discussion, and performance by Cairo Croon.