Points of Contact, Conflict and Convergence

This is a call to examine the often contrasting ideas about environmental stewardship and resilience, emphasizing the complexity and urgency of addressing climate change impacts on both land and people.

We invite projects that range from from specific land use conflicts in New York City to more elemental explorations of natural convergences, such as where land meets water, and how our bodies mediate our experience with place-based climate change. We welcome diverse viewpoints on climate crisis solutions, whether they involve architectural barriers, natural defenses, innovative technology, or adaptive strategies like relocation.

— Theme provided by Nora Almeida, Climate Justice Fellow 2023.

For the first two years (2020 & 2021) of the Climate Justice Fellowship, the Fellowship was water-based, and was part of a collaboration between Culture Push, arts organization Works on Water, and the Waterfront and Open Spaces Division of the NYC Department of City Planning. The two projects, Walking the Edge and Tending the Edge, served as a catalyst for waterfront exploration, artistic research, and community activation, and were part of the research and outreach process for the Comprehensive Waterfront Plan.

Applicants are encouraged to review our organization’s mission before submitting materials. Our Mission is HERE. The Fellowship for Utopian Practice serves as the umbrella program for the Climate Justice Fellowship, and follows the same guidelines. Please read our FELLOWSHIP GUIDELINES before beginning your application.

UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSIONS

• Virtual: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 @ 6:30 PM on Zoom. Register here

• In-person [DATE CHANGE]: Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 @ 2 PM,
  Fort Greene park, Martyrs Monument. Sign up here

CONTACT: For questions specific to the Climate Justice Fellowship, please write to cp@culturepush.org with the subject "Climate Justice Fellowship Question".

The Fellowship for Utopian Practice

The Fellowship for Utopian Practice is a testing ground for untested and new ideas that aim to create positive social change through civic engagement and horizontal learning opportunities. Through the Fellowship for Utopian Practice, Culture Push serves artists by providing creative, analytical, and logistical tools in the creation of truly transformative projects. Pre-existing performances, established projects, and fully funded works are not eligible to apply.

We are currently also accepting applications for the FELLOWSHIP FOR UTOPIAN PRACTICE, the BLACK UTOPIAN FELLOWSHIP, and the DISABILITY ARTS + DREAMING FELLOWSHIP.

Spring 2024 Information Session Recording

Cody Herrmann

CLIMATE JUSTICE FELLOW 2021

PROJECT: FLUSHING WATERWAYS BOATHOUSE

Cody Ann Herrmann is an artist and community organizer based in Flushing, Queens, NYC. Guided by her interest in public space, participatory design methods, and urban resilience Cody’s work often explores urban planning processes while applying an iterative, human centered approach to ecological problem solving. Since 2014 her work has focused on her hometown of Flushing, creating projects critiquing policy related to land use and environmental planning in areas surrounding Flushing Bay and Flushing Creek.
Learn More.

Simone Johnson

CLIMATE JUSTICE FELLOW 2020

PROJECT: Shades of Blue

Experiment Shades of Blue explored policy, law, design and storytelling as tools of world-building for earth-centered water futures. Simone focused on researching The Rights of Nature, the emerging field of law called Earth Jurisprudence, and the movement to revitalize Indigenous laws in Canada, as well as other intersecting interests.
Learn More.