‘When a system is far from equilibrium, small islands of coherence have the capacity to shift the entire system’ –
Ilya Prigogine
I’m delighted to share that The Hollywood Forest Story, my ongoing creative ecosocial art practice, is now showcased in the online Creative Carbon Scotland Library of Creative Sustainability. My deep understanding that ecoliteracy and fluency in expansive ecosocial values for personal, collective and planetary wellbeing are urgently needed across the creative sector and education in general, grew from my firsthand creative practice and practice-led review of my ongoing Hollywood Forest ecological art practice and forest restoration/rewilding work, and others’ similar practices in my doctoral work.
Developing Haumea Ecoversity was thus forged by firsthand experiences of the challenges and possibilities that arise when we connect creativity and ecological understanding. Wiser, more compassionate, beautiful and life-sustaining creative endeavours result. Sometimes even the smallest of creative endeavours, guided by broader ecosocial values can help us see and act for a better world :)
And it is important international recognition too as Creative Carbon Scotland, through the Creative Scotland Arts Council has pioneered arts and sustainability initiatives since 2011. It supports the development of artistic practices in relation to sustainability and climate change through residencies, events and commissions, and supports cultural organisations through reporting, carbon reduction and communicating their green work with audiences and has successfully advocated for the role of the arts in the transition to a more sustainable society and embedding sustainable practices at a strategic level.
Ireland has just begun its journey to explore and support cultural sustainability programmes. So it’s an honour to have The Hollywood Forest Story that I began in 2008 tp be part of Creative Carbon Scotland’s extensive programme. Thanks to the team at Creative Carbon Scotland for inviting me to summarise The Hollywood Forest Story for their local and international audiences.
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Hello! Kia Ora! Dia daoibh!
I’m Cathy Fitzgerald, an ecological artist, educator, and founder of Haumea Ecoversity.
Originally from Aotearoa, New Zealand, I’ve lived in rural Ireland, the ancestral home of my family, for over 30 years.
Together with my philosopher colleague Dr Nikos Patedakis (USA), we’ve guided over 400 creative professionals worldwide in transformative ecoliteracy training since 2019.
Haumea Ecoversity Community Membership is a vibrant space for lifelong learning, collective wisdom, and creative transformation for a more beautiful, just, and life-sustaining world.
Dr Cathy Fitzgerald
“In these times of great challenge, I’m passionate about bringing ecoliteracy—including new ecological thinking, values, language, and head-heart-body practices—to creative, sustainability and cultural sectors. These areas have a crucial leadership role: they can inspire communities to embrace new values and actions for living well on Earth, together with all life.”
In 2022, I was honoured to be nominated by Earth Charter International and UNESCO Chair for ESD as Earth Charter Focal Point Communicator for Ireland
About Cathy
- Ecological Artist: Creator of the ongoing Hollywood Forest Story
with new-to-Ireland continuous cover forestry (begun 2008). - Educator & Advisor: Accredited ESD Earth Charter educator,
Creative Drummin Carlow Bog project ecoliteracy advisor. - Researcher & Mentor: Specialist in Education for Sustainable
Development (ESD) at Haumea Ecoversity.com
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