Creature Conserve

History and Mission
Creature Conserve, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Rhode Island, was founded by Dr. Lucy Spelman in 2015. Our mission is to grow a creative community that combines art with science to cultivate new pathways for wildlife conservation. Through our online and in-person programs, we bring together artists, designers, writers, and experts with scientific and traditional knowledge in a supportive, welcoming space to learn about threats to wildlife, share empathy for animals, exchange ideas, and find opportunities for growth at the intersection of art, science, and conservation. Since our founding, we have supported over 1400 individuals and reached 40,000 people with our exhibitions, media content, and public programs. Our art-sci work has featured a variety of animal species, ranging from moths and tropical frogs to beavers and whales, as well as larger issues like mapping unrecognized Indigenous lands and sharing water rights. Why We Exist
Wildlife populations are declining around the world because of human impacts. We are all part of this problem, yet too few of us are part of the solution. Now is the time for a more inviting and inclusive approach to wildlife conservation, open to diverse perspectives from the arts, humanities, sciences, traditional knowledge, and beyond. How We Work
We accomplish our mission by supporting creatives as they take bold new steps to explore the collaborative art-sci process and get involved in wildlife conservation. Art taps into our emotions and our subconscious. It reminds us that all life is connected; we are animals, too. It deepens our understanding of this interdependency and helps us explore how we feel about animals and our relationships with them. It creates context (cultural, historical, social, political) and space for our conversations about wildlife conservation. It makes the scientific and traditional knowledge we use to make decisions more accessible, meaningful, and real. Art is far more likely to inspire a change in our behavior than a string of facts. Combining art with science makes it easier for everyone to explore the human connection to nature and create new pathways to a healthier world for all animals. Our programs take place in person and online and include curatorial programs, mentorship, scholarships, and workshops. We welcome people at all skill levels, from all backgrounds, and in all countries. Participants learn from each other, create and innovate together, develop new skills, and use their combined talents to reach a wider audience and improve outcomes. What We Do
Our programs are designed to serve two audiences: participants and members of the general public who support our work. We invite both to try something new: join our creative community, use our media platforms and networking tools to connect with like-minded individuals, and find inspiration in the combination of art, science, and wildlife conservation. We offer program participants the opportunity to meet in small groups and hold generative conversations to gain practice combining art and science through curatorial programs, mentorship, and workshops and to compete for financial support and manage projects through scholarships and fellowships. We offer the general public the opportunity to hear, read, and see the works of art and writing created by program participants; connect with these individuals directly through exhibitions, podcasts, performances, social media, and websites; and, support them by purchasing their art, books, and tickets to their exhibitions and performances. Our founder, Dr. Lucy Spelman, is a zoo and wildlife veterinarian, educator, writer, and conservationist. Watch her TEDx talk Art Can Save a Panda here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F05ZMfZUnE0.