The Nigerian Conservation Foundation, University of Lagos (Creative Arts Department), The Metis Fund –Arts and Development, Factory International, Sadler’s Wells, Global Rewilding Alliance, Save the Elephants, and TED Countdown are among the many partners supporting a new large-scale public art project initiated by the team behind “Little Amal.” The project, known as THE HERDS, will feature herds of life-size puppet animals traveling 20,000km from the Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle to raise awareness about climate change.
The initiative has garnered support from a diverse group of ambassadors including Brian Eno, Joanna Lumley, Kumi Naidoo, Natalie Dormer, David Oakes, George Monbiot, Afdhel Aziz, Tori Tsui, and Juliet Stevenson. These prominent figures will help amplify the message of THE HERDS as they make a stop in Lagos, Nigeria.
THE HERDS is a groundbreaking public artwork that will see the life-size puppet animals journey through cities across Africa and Europe, engaging with local partners through specially curated events. The project aims to vividly dramatize the climate crisis and unite global climate and arts organizations in a call for action.
Partners from 11 countries, including Nigeria, DRC, Senegal, Morocco, Spain, France, UK, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, have joined forces to support THE HERDS. These organizations will collaborate with world-leading scientists, artists, zoologists, politicians, and climate activists to create a powerful and impactful message.
The puppets for THE HERDS are being designed by Ukwanda Puppets and Designs Art Collective in South Africa, along with a team of talented artists and designers. Each puppet will be crafted using recycled materials and will convey the beauty and urgency of nature in the face of climate change. Sustainability practices for THE HERDS are being developed in partnership with Hope Solutions and Renew Culture: Theatre Green Book.
The project is being produced by The Walk Productions in association with a network of organizations and individuals from around the world. In Lagos and other cities where THE HERDS will stop, local communities will be trained to animate the puppets and participate in large-scale artistic performances along the route.
Amir Nizar Zuabi, Artistic Director of THE HERDS, expressed the team’s goal of creating an emotional reaction to the climate crisis through awe and beauty. David Lan, Producer of THE HERDS, highlighted the project as a response to the urgent need for artists to tell the story of climate change.
THE HERDS is made possible by public funding from various organizations and individuals, including the National Lottery through Arts Council England, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Art Fund, and others. The project will also be featured on the Bloomberg Connects platform, providing audiences with a behind-the-scenes look at the artists involved in creating the public art events.
THE HERDS is set to launch in April 2025, showcasing the transformative potential of the arts in addressing climate change and inspiring action towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.
