Healing country, Emily McDaniel on art’s role in facing our environmental challenges

First Nations curator and judge for this year’s Environmental Art & Design Prize Emily McDaniel sees art's role in facing the planets challenge as far more than cosmetic.

She sees making art and design as part of the global solution. It’s one of the reasons she agreed to take a day out from her role as an independent curatorial consultant to judge this year’s Environmental Art & Design Prize (submissions open until 14 May).

“As a Wiradjuri woman, care of Country is my primary responsibility, both personally and professionally and informs all aspects of my creative practice. 

“Advocating and highlighting the importance of creativity and storytelling as a platform for environmental change,” McDaniel adds thoughtfully.

McDaniel believes creatives, can be changemakers as much as scientists.

“It’s important to remind ourselves that science and creative practice are not at opposite ends, in fact they are inextricably intertwined and reliant upon one another.

“I believe it is no longer enough for art and creative practice to simply respond to Country, we must identify the ways in which it can proactively heal Country,” McDaniel said.

Emily McDaniel is one in a power panel of judges who will this year help to agree on winners across nine categories in this year’s Environmental Art & Design prize run by Northern Beaches Council. 

Her advice to people entering the prize, is simple and potent.

“Define your voice, point of view and lean into it with authenticity and commitment.

“Welcome and lean into critical feedback and dialogue, every conversation can reveal an opportunity for development,” McDaniel said.

Learn more about the Northern Beaches Environmental Art & Design prize here. 

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