Norwich, UK
A Methodist arts project in Newcastle upon Tyne is highlighting the important role bees play in pollinating the world’s food supply as well as the threats they face – everything from agrochemicals, and loss of habitat to climate change and parasites.
Organised by Shieldfield Arts Works (formerly known as Holy Biscuit), Bee Lines Through the City uses poetry, music and dance to explore the issues and show how humans can support bees even within urban environments by sustainable food growing and better urban planning.
Bee Lines Through The City poster.
Lydia Hiorns, director of Shieldfield Arts Works, told Sight that community activism played a “massive part” of Methodist history.
“John Wesley wanted the Gospel to be open to all to improve their lives,” she said. “All aspects of art enable us to connect with people and provide a platform for them. We have tried to think about the sustainability aspect of our project, and the theology underpinning it. We have a God who cares for creation, and that is why Christians should be involved in the care for the planet, and dealing with the climate crisis. The exhibition includes information on this, showing that we can create hope within a situation that can be quite despairing.”
Launched in April and continuing until 24th June, one of the most unusual aspects of the project has been a filmed contemporary dance performance based on the fact that bumblebees vibrate at middle C when unlocking pollen from plants.
“I was so amazed to discover this fact when researching the project,” said Hiorns. “I had to confirm it with National Geographic! I wanted to show the awe and wonder it inspires. I commissioned three musicians from the area to create music and Francesca Willows created a contemporary dance. We show this on a screen in the gallery.”
Willows took the title of the performance – ‘I lifted up my hand to them in the wilderness’ – from the Old Testament to highlight the importance of biodiversity and how it is within our grasp.
Other activities taking part as part of the project include exploring how Christians can help collectively care for the planet and pollinator walks.
Lydia Hiorns, director of Shieldfield Arts Works and creator of the Beelines project. PICTURE: Supplied.
Feedback to date has been positive. Discussions about Bee Lines Through the City undertaken with community groups using the Shieldfield Arts Works building have indicated that it is making them think about issues, and the welfare of bees.
“Most people have enjoyed and engaged with the exhibition,” said Hiorns. “People are thinking more, thinking about God and why it is so important to care for the world. We don’t look like a traditional church building. People who might not go into a traditional church space come here.”
The long term implications are already being felt, as Hiorns explains.
“It has made us think more about how we can achieve sustainability even in our old building. We have created a community garden with bee friendly plants. It has also made us think about the grief caused by climate change, and the people affected who cannot do anything about it.”
“It is a start rather than an end. We don’t expect major change as a result of this project, but by encouraging people to think about the issue of bees it is a step in the right direction. What we are doing is opening up conversations, triggering people to think about the climate and God.”
