How do we as a species behave towards 'wild' animals, plants, fungi and microbes? Are they worthy of ethical consideration like those of domestic cats, dogs or animals in farms?

If we change how we treat forests, use rivers and occupy land, how might this improve the planet?

Who gets to speak for ‘nature’?

This October, as part of Summoning a Portal, Cody Gangell-Smith (Palawa/Pakana activist) and Selena de Carvalho (post activist/settler) will host three peer-to-peer discussion groups to explore these questions. We encourage you to draw together your kin, friends, family or work colleagues and sign up for these in-person get-togethers.

To get the most out of the discussions, registration is for all three sessions. If you can't attend all three, please contact laurie@contemporaryart.org.au and your name will be added to a waitlist.

Wednesday 21 October, 5.30pm-7pm

Wednesday 28 October, 5.30pm-7pm

Wednesday 4 November, 5.30pm-7pm

Rights of Nature (Earth Jurisprudence) is an earth-centric philosophy of law and human governance that recognises the Earth and its ecosystems as the primary source of law and rights. This legal framework grants personhood rights to more-than-human beings, which means that ‘nature’ can be represented within an overculture’s colonial legal system — where a river or a mountain (for example) can be represented and advocated for.

In 2020, alongside a collective of peers, Selena compiled an online resource library to ask these questions in the form of a reading group. It’s now 2026 and the global movement of Rights of Nature has continued to grow in strength, alongside an overwhelming swathe of horrors and inequalities. How do we orient towards the future we are collectively yearning for — to wish and dream this into being?

Please see the discussion texts for each session before attending:

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

About the artists:

Cody Gangell-Smith works as a guide, creating culturally immersive experiences across Lutruwita/Tasmania, sharing knowledge and culture through storytelling to help others build a deeper connection to Country and Environment.

Under the mentorship of Uncle Jim Everett and Aunty Ruth Langford, Cody has answered the call to protect Country in Lutruwita, supporting frontline and legal action, contributing to social change, and engaging with political processes to advocate for Environmental Justice for his Ancestral Homelands. His work brings together cultural, environmental and political practice, with a focus on strengthening connection to Country, supporting Aboriginal self-determination, and advocating for the protection and wellbeing of Country and Community.

Selena de Carvalho is a mother, inter-disciplinary artist, designer, maker and risk taker, of settler, refugee and migrant heritage. Selena holds a PhD in the arts, 'Entangled Solidarity’, which she practices through purposefully connecting creativity in a (post) activist context amplifying the ecological imagination. She is an active learner in anti-oppressive practices, cultures of care and socially just communication and integrative healing practices. Selena haunts various coastlines of lutruwita/Tasmania as has had the privilege of being based in Longley on Palawa Country for most of her adult life.

Accessibility:

The space is mobility accessible. For more information about general accessibility at CAT, please visit our Access page or get in touch.

Please note, this workshop has limited capacity. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket or get in touch.

Contact the host of Rights of Nature Reading Group

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