14:59, 13 March 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Last week, Smiley News was invited to Creative Conscience's Creative Change Makers Conference. The event was an inspiring gathering of individuals passionate about driving social and environmental change through creative thinking. Hosted in partnership with Confetti Media Group and SheSays, this year’s conference focused on building a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world.
Through short, empowering TED-style talks and presentations, attendees learned how creativity can be harnessed to tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges. So here is a summary of the biggest takeaways we had from each of the speakers on shaping a future of creative action.
Eddy Altmann kicked off the event with a powerful call to action: “Let's create change and commit to one change”. Eddy’s opening words highlighted the importance of vulnerability in creating meaningful action, stating that vulnerability leads to strength. He acknowledged the privilege required to enact change but encouraged everyone that attended, regardless of their circumstances, to take action. He reminded us that while we may not share the same experiences, we all have the same emotions, making it crucial for us to connect through our shared humanity.
HAM the Illustrator’s presentation focused on the power of an idea, emphasising that an idea is just a spark until it finds a community, at which point it becomes a movement. Ham shared his journey from studying architecture in London to founding Munkination, an all-rounded initiative. Through his short film made in collaboration with the Royal Opera House, he illustrated how climate action could be framed as a collective fight, with each person embodying an archetype in the battle against the climate crisis. The call to action was clear: “Don’t give up on your dreams”. HAM’s message was one of persistence, urging us to keep pushing forward in the fight for the environment.
Chrissy Levett, Co Founder Creative Conscience, centred her talk around the importance of using your passion to drive change. She encouraged everyone to tap into what they love, to be more conscious, and to engage actively with the world around them. A crucial part of this message was about the power of personal choice and the impact it can have on the world. Chrissy shared a powerful story about speaking with her 90-year-old mother about the dark money generated by UK banks, and how our choices can lead to real change. Her call to action was to “Take action and to start questioning the systems that shape our lives.”
Head of Exposure Earth, Creativity and Regeneration, Iris Garavito gave an informative deep drive into how creativity can accelerate the journey toward climate justice. She introduced the concept of the circular economy, where the focus shifts from waste to regeneration. Iris stressed that for true sustainability, we need brands to engage and become active participants in the circular economy. She highlighted campaigns like Lush’s “Get Naked” and Selfridges’ collaboration with “Nature is a Human Right”, both of which made circularity more appealing to consumers. Iris’ call was to make sustainability and circularity "sexy" – engaging consumers not just as customers, but as co-creators of a more sustainable future.
Robin Chowdhury shared the journey of COO for Dupe VFX, a company committed to becoming carbon neutral and what it means to be a B Corp in the creative industry. He discussed the importance of measuring carbon footprints, including the impact of server rooms and business travel. Robin outlined how small companies can reduce their carbon emissions by becoming aware of their processes and working with innovative partners like Heata to provide social and environmental impact solutions. His message was one of gradual progress, highlighting that even small companies can take meaningful steps toward sustainability through carbon measuring, reducing emissions, and offsetting where necessary.
As Co-President at SheSays, Ruby Curran spoke about the importance of empowering women and non-binary individuals in the creative industries. She highlighted the importance of community and collaboration, particularly in the context of creating change. Ruby shared the organisation's year of action, which began on International Women's Day, and spoke out for the need of more people to join their board and support their mission as a non-profit. She emphasised the power of grassroots action and collective support in creating lasting impact.
In conclusion, the Creative Change Makers event was a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable and equitable future. Through creativity, passion, and collective action, we can work together to tackle the challenges ahead.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Creative Conscience. This is a global community that champions the power of creativity to drive social and environmental change. Through awards, workshops, and initiatives, they inspire and empower creative professionals to use their skills for positive impact. Find out more.
Confetti Media Group. A leading creative education provider, offering innovative learning experiences for students in digital, media, and the arts industries. Learn more here.
SheSays. This global non-profit organisation is dedicated to empowering women and non-binary individuals in the creative industries. Through mentorship, networking, and educational opportunities, they aim to create a more inclusive and diverse creative community. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships For The Goals.
