The “Art for Climate Justice” festival, held from October 1st to 7th, 2023, was a remarkable collaborative initiative involving several organizations, namely “Danseurs Citoyens Sud,” “Hivos,” “Collective Creative,” the “Stop Pollution” movement, and the “Observatory for Food Sovereignty and the Environment.” This significant event took place at No Name – Artistic Studio Lab, Gabes, Tunisia.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of this festival was the photography team which seized an extraordinary opportunity to venture into “Chat Salem”, an area in Gabes ravaged by pollution and the disposal of Phosphogypsum waste. Their mission was to engage directly with the local citizens, listen to their concerns, and obtain their consent for a photoshoot that would highlight the lives of these individuals in an environment tainted by contamination. The exhibition took place from 1 to 5 October 2023 and vividly encapsulated this concept.
Each photograph served as a window into the intricate interplay between nature, society, and climate justice in this region. ‘Reverberations of Chat Salem’ invites viewers to contemplate the profound connections between humanity and the environment, sparking meaningful conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of our collective role in addressing these critical issues.
This collaborative endeavor was firmly rooted in the belief that art possesses a remarkable power to advocate for those whose voices are often marginalized or ignored. It provided a platform for these artists to convey the very real and urgent environmental challenges faced by the people of Gabes, underlining the critical importance of addressing these issues and safeguarding the well-being of both the community and the environment.
