In RBC Film Theatre’s annual Book Week Scotland event, poet JoAnne McKay will draw on her current reading to explore how museums, and archaeology, are going to be tools for dealing with the climate crisis, and how past strategies and technologies may be needed to assist with our future. Combining readings from Reinventing Sustainability (Guttman-Bond) and Museums and Societal Collapse (Robert Janes) along with her own poetry, JoAnne will offer a unique insight into this fascinating topic.
JoAnne has selected the documentary Jane Goodall – Reasons for Hope (Dir David Lickle, 2023, 45 mins). Drawing on decades of work by the world’s most famous living ethologist and environmentalist, Reasons for Hope, is an uplifting journey around the globe to highlight good news stories that will inspire people to make a difference in the world around them. Featured stories such as the Northern Bald Ibis’ migration over the Alps, the re-introduction of the American Bison by the Blackfeet Nation, the worldwide recognized Sudbury Regreening Story, Arizona’s leadership in renewable energy and inspiring youth-led initiatives involved in Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots align with historic footage of Jane’s beginnings as a chimpanzee researcher. Throughout, the film reinforces Jane’s four pillars of hope that signal tremendous hope for the future: the amazing human intellect, the resilience of nature, the power and dedication of young people, and the indomitable human spirit.
There will be an interval between JoAnne’s talk and the film with refreshments provided by the Bonnie Bistro.
JoAnne McKay was born in Essex and served as a police officer in the south-west of England before moving to Dumfriesshire three decades ago. She has published five poetry pamphlets and has appeared at Literary Festivals throughout the UK. Her work has been prize-winning, widely published and anthologised. She currently works at Dumfries Museum.
Recommended age 12+
This event is supported by Book Week Scotland 2024 event funding.