The Office of Sustainability and the Environment, in collaboration with Prompt for the Planet co-creator David Gould, the LENA Project, and students from Tippie College of Business, is shaping the next chapter of Prompt for the Planet.

Prompt for the Planet is a collaborative initiative that lends a voice to the earth and documents this critical moment in history through poetry, art, and creativity.

The Prompt:

Think of one element in nature and speak in its voice through your art.

Think of it as creating an open letter from the planet.

What would the fires raging in California say to the world?  What would the wind from Hurricane Maria demolishing Puerto Rico sound like?  What does freshly fallen rain on a state in drought feel and taste like through poetry?

A showcase (2022 showcase photos by Amber Seaton) of Prompt responses will take place in September 2024 at the Englert Theater. Members of the campus community are encouraged to respond to The Prompt.  This semester, a series of Prompt workshops will be conducted, offering the campus community the resources and time to express its voice for the earth.  Faculty are invited to use The Prompt in class as an extra credit assignment, a required or encouraged workshop, a creative project assignment, etc.  All Prompt responses will be incorporated into a public display that will complement the Englert showcase in September.

To learn more or discuss opportunities for collaboration, contact sustainability@uiowa.edu.

Workshops

Join Melinda Myers, Assistant Professor of Contemporary Dance and Choreography, for a fun Prompt workshop that lets you connect with nature through art!  Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting to dip your toes into the world of creativity, this workshop is open to all skill levels.

Workshop will take place at the IMU in the Academics Room (#256) on the following dates:

• Thursday, March 21 at 7pm
• Sunday, March 24 at 1pm
• Thursday, March 28 at 7pm

Space is limited!  Please register at https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5tmleArm2C7Lnds

What to Expect:

• Guided Exploration - Professor Myers will help you explore the voice of a natural element of your choosing.
• Giving Voice - She'll share ideas and examples of how you can use a variety of art forms (e.g., performance art, visual art, creative writing) to give voice to your chosen element.
• Art Making - Basic art supplies (paper, pencils, paints, and brushes) will be provided to help you express your element's voice.  Feel free to bring your own art supplies as well. 

Who Should Join:

• Art Fans - If you love art, this is for you!
• Nature Lovers - Show your love for the planet in a creative way!
• Curious Minds - Anyone who wants to explore our planet through art.

Can't Attend the Workshop?  You can still respond the the prompt!

There is power in a united voice, and we invite you to share your answers and join the movement.  Respond to Amanda’s prompt. We encourage you to be as reflective and creative as possible, (e.g., produce a drawing or photograph, write a poem or short story, create a short video, or any other form of artistic expression to represent your answer. There is no “wrong way” to answer the prompt).

View the gallery for examples if you don’t know where to begin.

Submit your answer — and if available, an accompanying image, video, or other media via the prompt website.