WeCare Impact
7 min readSep 23, 2024

Waves of Impact: How Tides for Change Redefined Art, Advocacy, and Community

This past Climate Week NYC 2024, WeCare Impact & Terra Muse partnered to transform Xposed Gallery into a hub of creativity, connection, and action. Through immersive art, thought-provoking discussions, and community-driven events, Tides for Change tackled the urgent challenges of ocean conservation and sustainability in ways that moved hearts and minds. With contributions from visionary artists, leading experts, and change-makers, the week-long activation became a powerful platform for engagement and innovation.

Art as a Catalyst for Change

The week kicked off with Julian Ties’ ocean-inspired rope installation, an intricate and powerful visual crafted entirely from recycled rope. This centerpiece symbolized marine ecosystems entangled with human impact, evoking both urgency and hope. “I wanted people to feel the fragility and strength of these connections,” Julian explained during the opening event.

On Day 2, the program expanded with METASIA, a groundbreaking performance by Yacine AIT KACI that fused AI, AR, and VR with the evocative live violin of Andrei Matorin. Inspired by Fantasia, METASIA transported audiences into a digital utopia, exploring themes of climate, creativity, and technology. Yacine’s work reminded us of the potential for art to shape a more hopeful vision of the future while inspiring action today.

Later that evening, the Dinner Performance at Gospel NY featured Julian Ties and Rhyme, whose poetic storytelling and intricate ropework wove a moving narrative of connection and interdependence. Paired with a curated dining experience, this performance became a highlight of the week, leaving attendees profoundly impacted.

Community in Action

Tides for Change wasn’t just about experiencing art — it was about taking action. Panels, workshops, and discussions throughout the week brought together a wide range of experts to explore solutions to global environmental challenges.

  • Day 5: In “Is Recycling a Hoax?”, panelists like Cassia Elizabeth Jayani (Oceanic Global), Mimi Wu (Founder, Plastic Waste Management), and Stan Chen (CEO, RecycleGO) challenged attendees to rethink recycling and consider systemic solutions to the global plastic crisis.
  • Day 5: “Green Infrastructure for Community and Ecological Resilience” highlighted nature-based solutions to environmental challenges, with insights from Vaughn Shinall (Temboo) and Kevin Dahms (Biohabitats), moderated by Claire Galla.
  • Day 6: The fireside chat “Data-Driven Climate Solutions: AI for a Sustainable Future” brought together Nesma Bensalem (WeCare Impact) and Elif Nisa Polat (World Bank/ IFC) to explore the transformative potential of technology in environmental advocacy.

These sessions didn’t just inform — they inspired collaboration and action, giving attendees practical tools to create change within their own spheres.

Amplifying Diverse Voices

Throughout the week, Tides for Change amplified the voices of artists, thinkers, and activists who are pushing boundaries and redefining advocacy:

  • Madame Gandhi, an award-winning musician and activist, shared how music can be a powerful tool for environmental justice.
  • Fatimah Hossaini, an award-winning photographer and cultural advocate, showcased how storytelling through imagery fosters empathy and bridges divides.

Impact and Legacy

The ripple effects of Tides for Change reached far beyond the gallery walls:

Metric Outcome

Event Attendance 3,000+ participants

Audience Reach 140,000+ impressions

Social Media Impact 440,000+ engagements

Collaborations Formed 2 cross-sector partnerships

Participants didn’t just attend — they left inspired, equipped, and ready to make a difference. “This was more than an event — it was a catalyst for change,” said WeCare Impact Founder Nesma Bensalem.

Looking Ahead

Tides for Change demonstrated the power of merging art, technology, and community to address global challenges. As we look to the future, plans are already underway to bring this transformative activation to global platforms like Davos and COP, ensuring its message resonates worldwide.

By creating immersive experiences that connect people to the planet and to one another, Tides for Change aims to inspire a ripple effect that reaches every corner of the globe.

Stay Connected

• Watch our panels and performances on our YouTube channel.

• Read spotlights on artists like Yacine AIT KACI and Julian Ties on our blog.

• Learn more about our initiatives at WeCare Impact.

#Tides4Change #ArtAndTechnology #OceanConservation #ClimateAction #WeCareImpact #Sustainability #CreativeCommunity

WeCare Impact
WeCare Impact

Written by WeCare Impact

WeCare Impact is a purpose driven creative studio + consulting firm leveraging Arts, Technology & Community to make an impact www.wecareimpact.com

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