In 2023, French artist Sébastien Kirch painted a 13-metre sail with light-sensitive inks to mirror the bleaching of coral—an artwork that slowly faded over time, revealing the effects of warming seas. This bold environmental statement led to an invitation to join River of Hope, an arts-based learning project connecting young people in Rouen and Norwich through environmental education and creativity.
‘I accepted immediately,’ the artist says. ‘The idea of raising awareness through hands-on art with students really resonated with me.’
Working closely with the British Council, local schools, and UK-based artist Ali Atkins, the artist led ten primary school classes across Seine-Maritime through workshops blending science, English, and visual art.
‘The British Council team supported us at every step. As an artist, that kind of teamwork is invaluable.’ The students’ creations—370 vibrant squares of painted Wenzhou paper—were assembled into a collective 22-metre mural exhibited in Rouen.
‘They came to see that one topic—like rivers or climate change—can be explored from many angles. That’s incredibly powerful.’ The process brought its challenges—tight deadlines and late- night assembling sessions—but also deep rewards. ‘These students gave me a fresh perspective. Their energy and sincerity were like a breath of fresh air.’
Through River of Hope, art became a bridge across disciplines and borders. ‘Each student contributed to something monumental. That kind of experience fosters real hope—for education, for creativity, and for our shared planet.’