Art, Activism and Innovation Take Over Governors Island for Climate Week
September 15, 2026
Climate Week NYC runs from September 20-27, and Governors Island is going all in for a week-long showcase of climate innovation and art.
On September 20, the Eco Arts Festival will take place with eco-inspired performances and activities throughout the day. Things really kick off on September 21 with “The Art of Change: An Opening Ceremony for Climate Week NYC.” The event will offer plenty of chances to participate in programming combining art and activism. Grab a brush at the Tree of Life Painting Workshop, hosted by the Taiwanese American Arts Council, to create your own artwork. You can also join the performance Right to Flight: A Public Performance & Participatory Artwork to make a statement about the birds killed in collisions with the city’s glass buildings.
The Climate Solutions Showcase is September 23, where the Trust for Governors Island’s piloting program will show off technology offering real-world climate solutions, from recyclable flood barriers to cooling systems. Then, on September 26, don’t miss Leslie Wayne’s new exhibition “The Unintended Blues,” hosted by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. The exhibition features art demonstrating the threat of rising sea levels. You will also be able to check out Open Studios, both for the Arts Center Residency and a Work-in-Progress Showing.
To close out the week, celebrate the New York Harbor with Homecoming: For the Harbor, a pep rally for the planet with artists, climate innovators and cheerleaders all in the spirit. For a quieter experience, head over on September 25, when LMCC and Stony Brook University will be hosting an evening celebration with the NYC premiere of “Songs of the Earth” and a reception.
These are just a few of the many ways to learn about the climate and how people are fighting for our planet. See the full Governors Island lineup and more details here.
