Beatice Jeavons: Art, science and sustainability

‘Scientists are amazing at figuring it all out, going through the data, giving us targets and roadmaps and telling us what we need to do,’ Bea says. ‘But they don’t necessarily have the same skill set that filmmakers, artists and singers do at exciting people and inspiring movement.’

WHO WE ARE: Beatrice Jeavons Arts, science and sustainability

Story by Poppy Fitzpatrick. Photograph by Heidi Lewis.

The connection between scientific data, picturesque nature hikes and the arts may not be immediately obvious to most, but for Beatrice Jeavons these things are inherently intertwined. Forming an alliance between interests that are so often forced to compete, Bea seeks to create a space where they can all coexist – or better yet – band together for broader environmental action.

Over the past six years Bea has bounced between contracts with Adelaide Festival, while also leading hikes with Big Heart Adventures in spectacular locations around the country. This rotation of work has allowed Bea to strike a fulfilling balance between her appreciation of the arts and deep love of nature. But her multifaceted interests know no bounds; her eyes sparkle with the same infectious ardour for complex climate change data as they do for live music or multi-day hikes. For Bea, none of these things are mutually exclusive.

‘Scientists are amazing at figuring it all out, going through the data, giving us targets and roadmaps and telling us what we need to do,’ Bea says. ‘But they don’t necessarily have the same skill set that filmmakers, artists and singers do at exciting people and inspiring movement.’

Bea found the perfect alignment of science, art and sustainability when she joined Off-Grid Living Festival as program manager in 2021 – and the Fleurieu’s own Utopian State in the same year – working hard to decarbonise these events. During her time at Adelaide Festival, Bea has also naturally gravitated towards their ambitious sustainability initiatives. Alongside its 60th anniversary in 2020, the major arts festival became the first of its kind in Australia to be certified carbon neutral. It was at the 2020 opening night party that Bea shared her enthusiasm for the environment with a very receptive Tim Minchin and his team, landing her the gig as sustainability consultant for his BACK 2021 Australia and New Zealand tour.

With support from Green Nation – Live Nation Entertainment’s sustainable touring program – Bea, Tim and crew set to work discovering the various ways in which they could minimise the environmental impact of the tour. Beginning with the direct footprint of the crew, they implemented a ‘green rider’, which meant zero plastic bottles, only reusable or compostable packaging for catering and a focus on local, organic producers in each state. ‘They seem like small things, but over the tour I calculated that’s over 3000 plastic bottles and 1000 plastic cutlery utensils saved,’ Bea says, her passion for data again shining through.

Bea also sought to empower fans to be a part of the solution in their own cities. Patrons were encouraged to choose greener transport options wherever possible, merchandise was upcycled from unsold items in previous years, and each venue distributed a QR code printed on a plantable seed card, linking audiences to online resources relevant to climate action in their state.

For the South Australian leg of the tour, Bea brought Tim and the team down to get their hands dirty at Lot 50 Kanyanyapilla (L50K) in McLaren Vale. Alongside land steward Gavin Malone and Senior Traditional Owner Karl Winda Telfer, the team planted 500 trees across the ancient Kaurna Meyunna campground. While a significant effort in offsetting their carbon emissions, the day also allowed the crew to work closely with First Nations people – which Bea acknowledges is an essential component to building a sustainable future.

Although Bea is encountering often-uncharted territory between the Australian arts industry and the environment, she approaches the challenge with admirable gusto. This year, Bea has taken on the role of sustainability coordinator at Adelaide Festival and producer of their free event ‘Climate Crisis and The Arts’. Bringing together leading voices within the arts and sustainability space, various panels will explore and discuss how creativity can educate, inspire and mobilise climate action as we move forward into the next defining decade.

With each new solution she discovers, Bea grows more excited about the power of collective action. For every festival-goer who brings their own drink bottle, travels via bike, or divests their superannuation from fossil fuels, Bea envisions a future where we can have maximum fun with minimal harm. Bea hopes she can tackle anything in the arts world – from encouraging major venues to switch to green power, to eliminating single-use plastic zip ties.

While the overwhelming science of the climate crisis can be paralysing, with a little compassion and artistic packaging, audiences can be far more receptive to difficult messages. Bea fiercely believes in the power of storytelling and creativity as a vessel for change.

‘It’s important to be aware of the urgency,’ she says. ‘But it’s important to communicate that in a way that’s inspiring and collaborative.’