HBCU Arts In Conservation Festival

Celebrating Community through Art, Acting on Climate and Conservation

You’re invited to an incredibly special Earth Day Celebration featuring student conservationists, leaders, and artists from Rust College, Morehouse College, Tuskegee University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University!

Enjoy a day of fun and art, while delighting in community and nature! Brought to you by the National Audubon Society, through the Audubon on Campus Program, virtual participants will be treated to the HBCU (Historically Black College and University) experience including regional DJs, dance performances, spoken word battles and so much more. As we emerge from winter and the many impacts of COVID-19, let’s come together on Earth Day and enjoy the restorative power of nature and the arts.

To learn more about the history of the popular Sankofa bird symbol featured in our event logo click here.

Watch a Recap of the 2022 HBCU Arts in Conservation Festival:

Date: Earth Day Friday April 22nd, 2022

Time: 4:45pm ET – 9:00pm ET

Where: Virtual (see below) and In-person (Students enrolled at the following colleges wishing to take part in IN-PERSON activities please contact your student leaders of Audubon on Campus Chapter: Rust College, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark-Atlanta University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Tuskegee University)

Schedule of Events (All times in Eastern):

4:45pm – 5:00pm  ViverBrazil Opening Parade at Rust College
Description: Afro-Brazilian Dance Company, ViverBrazil, ends their parade from Holly Springs, Mississippi town centre to the campus of Rust College to kick off the start to Audubon on Campus HBCU Arts in Conservation Fest!

5:00pm – 6:00pm DJ Roulette Live Social Hour
Description: DJs streaming live from Morehouse College, Xavier University of Louisiana and Tuskegee University will set the "vibe" for virtual and in-person attendees. 

6:00pm – 6:25pm Student Artist Panel
Description: Moderated by Dr. Anna B. Scott PhD, Artist and Assitant Professor of Speech and Theather at Rust College and joined by Student Artists in a cross campus panel engage in discussion about Art as a medium for Climate and Conservation Action.

6:25pm – 6:55pm Cross Campus Open Mic Battle and simultaneous “Paint Off”
Description: Campuses take turns at an open mic and battle each other while artists paint on stage in the background. Audience will vote on their favorite painting!

7:00pm – 8:30pm Cross Campus Musical and Dance Performances Artists

8:30pm – 9:00pm Special Announcements and Close out

This event is made possible by special grant funding from the Walton Family Foundation.

About Audubon on Campus

The Audubon on Campus Program cultivated next-gen conservationists by providing college students with leadership skills training, mentorship opportunities, and pathways to sustainable careers. We do this through a collaborative effort that connects students with a network of local, state, and national conservation leaders within Audubon. Learn more about Audubon on Campus here.