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Global "Climate on Culture 2024 Conference" to take place in Galway, Ireland

18.09.24

The Idaho Museum of International Diaspora (IMID) is excited to announce its second annual global conference, “Climate on Culture,” scheduled for September 18-21, 2024, in Galway, Ireland. This flagship event, organised in partnership with TG4 and supported by Galway Culture Company, promises to be a vital gathering for global leaders, educators, and cultural practitioners. TG4, Ireland’s national Irish-language public service broadcaster, is playing a central role in the conference, helping to bring diverse voices together and promoting meaningful dialogue on the intersection of climate and culture.
 

A Platform for Global Engagement

“Climate on Culture 2024” is a direct outcome of IMID’s global engagement efforts and reflects the vision of its Global Leadership Council (GLC). The GLC aims to expand the reach and impact of IMID’s mission to promote positive community transformation by celebrating the lives of diaspora and cultural groups worldwide. This conference will serve as a pivotal platform for bringing together cross-sector leaders, educators, policymakers, and practitioners to elevate the significance of diasporas and cultures within museums, educational institutions, corporations, and governments.
 

Exploring the Impact of Climate on Culture

The conference will provide a multidisciplinary forum to #LearnDiscoverExplore how climate influences culture and how cultural institutions, including diaspora museums, can respond to these impacts. The event will examine “climate” from two perspectives: external environmental conditions and the prevailing cultural, social, political, and economic climates that shape our world. The discussions aim to explore creative and sustainable opportunities for transformational change, highlighting the critical role of culture in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
 
Dr. Palina Louangketh, CEO / Executive Director, Idaho Museum of International Diaspora states that “history cannot be changed, but its purpose is to help us learn and grow if we open our hearts to share the world as a beautiful gift to all peoples.”
 

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Director of Operations and Human Resources TG4 states that “TG4 takes its role in promoting sustainability very seriously. This conference helps highlight a range of issues such as human rights, climate change, migration, and the role of media in leading the debate. The range of speakers and content from home and abroad will bring greater understanding, stimulate lively debate and build long term relationships for change and we are delighted to bring this event to Galway. The level of engagement and support from a wide range of local partners has been phenomenal and we are really grateful for that.”
 
 

Conference Program Highlights

Day 1: Deep Dive Foundational Dialogues (September 18, Wednesday)
The opening day at the University of Galway will immerse participants in the conference theme, providing a shared understanding and grounding for all attendees.

Day 2: Film Screenings and Immersive Learning (September 19, Thursday)
Hosted at CREW and Atlantic Technical University, Day 2 will feature arts, media, education, human rights and climate platforms to foster interactive discussions across various fields.

Day 3: Interactive Workshops: Art and Cultural Platforms (September 20, Friday)
The final conference day will include parallel workshops again in CREW & ATU, offering hands-on sessions and culinary demonstrations that build cultural competencies, skills, and practical knowledge.

Day 4: Connecting with Friends in Galway (September 21, Saturday)

An informal half-day wrap-up event with brunch and networking opportunities, allowing participants to share feedback, exchange ideas, and build connections.
 

Expected Outcomes

The conference aims to deepen understanding of cultural preservation in climate-affected diasporas, demonstrate the critical role of cultural institutions in showcasing these cultures, and foster cross-sector collaboration to address climate challenges creatively and sustainably.
 

Funding and Support

The “Climate on Culture 2024 Conference” is made possible through the support of TG4 which is playing a central role in facilitating the event, with generous co-hosting assistance from University of Galway, Atlantic Technological University, Galway Culture Company, CREW, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Fáilte Ireland, the Welsh Government Office in Ireland and Connacht Hotel Group, alongside sponsors – Fáilte Ireland, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, and The Connacht Hotel Galway – and other key partners such as Univerzita Mateja Bela Faculty of Arts, Emory University, Legacies of War, North American Cultural Diplomacy Initiative, National Museums NI, Donostia Kultura, Mainspring Agency, Transmixr, Kylemore Abbey, and Danse Demain | HUMANYA. Funding is also provided by the Government of Ireland under the National Development Plan through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
 

Additional information : Information about the conference