In an ambitious blend of art and activism, The Herds is a public art initiative that brings to life hundreds of life-sized animal puppets, journeying from Africa to the Arctic Circle to spotlight the pressing climate crisis. This project, spearheaded by The Walk Productions—the creative force behind the renowned Little Amal—aims to evoke a visceral response to environmental challenges through a captivating visual narrative.
A Journey of 12,400 Miles
Commencing in April 2025 from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Herds embarks on a 12,400-mile expedition across 20 cities in 10 countries, culminating in Norway’s Arctic Circle by August. The route traverses diverse landscapes and cultures, including Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, France, the UK, and more, symbolizing a collective migration in response to climate-induced habitat loss .
Artistry Rooted in Sustainability
Crafted from recycled materials like cardboard and plywood, the puppets represent species such as wildebeests, zebras, gorillas, and giraffes. The initial designs were developed by the Ukwanda Puppetry and Designs Art Collective in South Africa, with contributions from students at London’s Wimbledon College of Arts. As the journey progresses, local communities are invited to create additional puppets, enriching the herd with region-specific fauna and fostering community engagement .
Engaging Communities Through Performance
At each stop, The Herds collaborates with local artists and organizations to host events that address specific environmental concerns. For instance, in Madrid, performances will focus on flood awareness in partnership with the Compañía Nacional de Danza. In Paris, visual artist Étienne Giol will present a nighttime spectacle at the Palais Royale. These events aim to contextualize global climate issues within local experiences, making the abstract tangible .
A Call to Action
Artistic Director Amir Nizar Zuabi emphasizes the project’s intent to shift perspectives on the climate crisis. By portraying animals as climate refugees, The Herds seeks to humanize the impacts of environmental degradation, fostering empathy and prompting action. Zuabi notes that the initiative offers “a stark artistic image, overwhelming in grandeur and alarm,” aiming to inspire a deeper connection to the planet and its inhabitants
Join the Movement
The Herds invites individuals to participate as puppeteers and volunteers, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the project firsthand. No prior experience is necessary, and involvement provides a platform to contribute to a global dialogue on climate change. For more information on how to get involved, visit theherds.org.
Through its innovative approach, The Herds transcends traditional activism, using the universal language of art to convey the urgency of the climate crisis. As the puppets traverse continents, they carry with them a message of hope, resilience, and the power of collective action.
