St Paul's Eco-Art Community Hub
What happens when art, buildings, and local people come together to face climate change – right where we live?
As an urban parish, we cherish creation in all its forms; the buildings that shelter us, the hidden networks that sustain us, the community of people who give it life. We honour the creatures that dwell among us, the plants the soften stone with green, the air we breathe, and the waters that cradle our city.
St Paul’s Eco-Art Community Hub (SPEACH) is a living tapestry – increasingly woven by our neighbours; academics, artists and activists, property owners and caretakers, landlords, engineers and tenants. Together we share ideas, spark imagination an reimagine how our homes, our streets and our lives can be transformed.
The aim of this project is to help our parish be both resilient and regenerative, a place of beauty and belonging, as we walk through the challenges of climate change towards a future that sustains all life.
What is SPEACH?
- A space for art, ideas, emotions, science and conversation
- Organisations and people from across St Paul’s Parish, Clifton
- Real buildings, real streets, real people, real futures, coming together
Who is SPEACH For?
St Paul’s Eco-Art Community Hub brings together residents, building owners, artists, students, academics and infrastructure owners to explore climate change in Clifton, through creativity, local place-based thinking and shared action.
Upcoming Events
People’s Emergency Briefing screening at Cotham
Friday 11th September at 7pm
Join us for a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing – an eye-opening 50-minute film bringing together nine leading UK scientists and experts with the latest evidence on Climate and Ecological change, and why it matters for things like extreme weather events, food security, health and the cost of living. The film is based on the National Emergency Briefing in Westminster (featured by ITV, Channel 4 and The Times) with appearances from Chris Packham, Deborah Meaden, and a range of voices from across the UK.
After the film there will be an open discussion about what it means for our community and what we can do locally. If you’re interested in attending this event do register via the Eventbrite link and do bring a friend / neighbour / family member along: everyone is welcome – we’d love as many people as possible to engage with this important discussion.
University of Bristol’s New 2050 Net Zero Transformation Plan
17th September 2026, 6pm
Learn about the University of Bristol’s New Comprehensive 2050 Net Zero Transformation Plan from Naomi Gornall, Head of Net Zero Carbon & Sustainability. Naomi is responsible for delivering sustainability at the University and will outline the University’s new initiative, and hopes to meet other property owners in the area, involved in greening their buildings and land.
Local Building Transformation Workshop
22nd October 2026, 6pm
An opportunity for property owners in the area to share their sustainable building transformation plans.
Think Global, Act Local Through Art and Action
SPEACH Launch Event
The SPEACH initiative was formally launched in February 2026.
Speakers included:
- Cabot Institute for the Environment, University of Bristol
- Helen Jacobs, Bristol RWA: Royal West of England Academy of Art
- Rev David Stevenson, Vicar St Paul’s Church, Clifton
- The Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey, Bishop of Rumsey, National Co-Lead for Church Buildings & Cathedrals, Church of England
- Hannah Walsh, local Student and Ecologist
- A local councillor
About 40 people attended the launch. A model of Bristol which had come to the end of its commissioned purpose was given by the artists collective behind it, to support the work of SPEACH and remains in separate parts around the church.
You can watch a recording of the launch event below.
Wolves Through Time
