Ecopedagogy

How can the arts, as a participatory practice, contribute to ecologically-based decision-making?

Workshop with local Glasgow residents investigating the habits of Kingfishers and Magpies. Run in association with Woodlands Community Garden and Nuala Cook and supported by the Innovation Studio at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, 2022. Photo by Eo Stearn.

Penny recently completed her MEd for which her final year dissertation looked at the application of ecopedagogy, with a focus on Scottish policy, could be applied to dance. This involved a robust investigation into the Scottish government’s ‘Net-Zero nation’ policy, examining why/why not people engage with ecological concerns and propositions for community art practices since the Declaration of a Climate Emergency. Penny was then awarded funding from the Innovation Studio at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to begin to practically implement her research. She also presented her findings at the SERA conference (Scottish Education Research Association) in Ayr in November 2022, again supported by the RCS. Learn more about Penny’s RCS Sustainability Award here.

With musician Nicolette Macleod, a long-term collaborator, Penny is developing ‘Finding Nourishment in Change’, a workshop exploring themes of resilience, imagination, collective and individual choice-making in community and professional settings. With sound and movement invitations, the work creates a space for individuals to connect with their inner and outer landscapes, through both individual exploration and larger group-devised material. The resulting improvisational scores respond to live music that combines organic and mechanically generated sound, somatic practices and site, gently opening up a conversation around values and positions within the shared context of climate crisis. Penny and Nicolette have held workshops at Dance Base (Edinburgh) and the Woodlands Workspace (Glasgow) with support from the Civic Fund from RCS Innovation Studio. Read more here and see video below.

Penny has a holistic approach to sustainable practice, and is currently working with independent producer and sustainability planner Katy Dye to devise a low-carbon model of production and touring her work. Where ever possible she uses low-carbon options (like national rail) to attend teaching engagements, tour work or undertake residencies. In Summer 2023 Penny complete Carbon Literacy training with Climate NI. Penny is currently part of The Work Room’s Ground Work steering group and has lectured at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on the Theatre Green Book and sustainable practices for the performing arts for both students and staff.