Art and visual storytelling can be a powerful tool in bridging the gap between climate science and understanding. Recognising this unique ability artists have to tell complex stories, we commissioned Raquel Durán to create a live mural which captured a pivotal cross-sector climate conversation in an accessible, engaging and memorable way. Read on to find out more about this unique approach.
Why art is an essential tool for conveying the risks, opportunities, and solutions of climate resilience
With leaders and experts from across the flood risk, water resources, land drainage, emergency planning, energy, infrastructure, and landscape sectors in attendance, our landmark round-table discussion on climate resilience represented a unique opportunity to capture cross-sector challenges, opportunities and recommendations. Guided by the objective of helping to shape future policy, strategy and funding decisions, the recommendations from the event were submitted to Government.
However, we also recognised the benefit in creating something that would visually and emotionally communicate the depth and urgency of the dialogue – something that would resonate beyond policy papers.
From past collaborations, we’ve seen firsthand how artists can transform complex ideas into stories that feel accessible, engaging, and unforgettable. That sparked a question: how could we capture the essence of this event in a way that was both innovative and impactful? The idea of a live mural was born. To bring this vision to life, we partnered with Raquel Durán—an artist known for her dynamic live scribing and illustration—to translate the unfolding conversation into a vibrant, visual narrative.
A vibrant and thought-provoking call to action
By joining the event in person, Raquel was able to create an engaging and thought-provoking piece of art. One that not only encapsulates the nuances of a technically complex dialogue but also serves as an impactful representation of the many cross and multi-sectoral perspectives present in the room. Through the use of compelling imagery and text, the key messages are not only visually engaging, but they also reinforce some of the biggest challenges and opportunities we face in the pursuit for resilience to climate change.
The artwork is framed around two recurring expressions: "We need to..." and "It's about...". These phrases anchor messages about working with nature, empowering communities, embracing system thinking, and pursuing long-term solutions. It also poses a critical question: "How do we measure resilience?".
A visual manifesto and valuable tool for reflection
One of the reasons the artwork is so impactful is that its references span government, policy, community, nature and engagement. It also includes a nod to JBA's Climate Resilience Framework of Aware, Adapt, Respond and Recover. However, of all the powerful messages, one that stands out is the need to take a leadership role.
As practitioners, we know that to build whole society resilience to climate change we can't keep doing the same as we've always done. Our practices, funding and finance, application, and most of all our engagement with society needs to transform. At JBA we're committed to leading this transformation through innovation, thought-leadership, and technical excellence.
Raquel’s ability to create such a rich and inspiring piece of artwork in real time during the discussions is hugely impressive. Now armed with this powerful centre-piece, we intend to use it as a tool in workshops, presentations, and tours to spark conversations and deepen understanding of JBA’s work.
We invite you to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of climate resilience, and the emotions and reflections that the artwork evokes for you. Click here to view the artwork.
