The Hawaiʻi State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission announced on April 1 that it is seeking four local artists to join the second cohort of its Climate Action Residency Program. The program will run from June 2026 to February 2027, aiming to engage artists in addressing climate change issues across the state.
The initiative is designed to involve artists in highlighting urgent environmental challenges such as food waste, fire risk, agriculture, and energy. Selected participants will collaborate with county departments on their home islands and attend monthly meetings to identify topics relevant to their communities.
“This residency has given me renewed motivation to bring my works out of my studio and into the community,” said Benjamin Fairfield, a 2024 artist in residence. “I enjoyed collaborating with local elementary schools to have students think through how, where and why everyday products are sourced, consumed and discarded.”
The Hawaii State Executive – Governor supports communities affected by wildfires and honors veterans and educators as part of broader social recovery efforts, according to the official website. The office also focuses on expanding healthcare access, addressing homelessness through housing programs, and supporting recovery from events such as wildfires according to the official website.
State leadership continues its commitment by serving all regions of Hawaii—including wildfire-impacted areas like Lahaina—and shaping policy through tax reform for affordability as well as programs framing homelessness as health care according to the official website. Efforts also include collaboration with various entities aimed at advancing renewable energy initiatives and combating climate change according to the official website.
Through these combined approaches—public engagement via art residencies alongside policy measures—the state government emphasizes its dedication toward public policy issues such as housing stability and climate action according to the official website.
