In November, we are delighted to be attending the United Nations Climate conference COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.

We Gather Here Because We Must is an international artist exchange between Get It Done (Manchester) and Aks Creative Hub (Ankara), supported by the British Council's Connections Through Culture Programme.

The project brought together four artists – Hathaikan Konguanraun, Edanur Seçim, Öykü Işıl Kışla and Maisie Pritchard – from Türkiye and the UK to explore how simple, playful and low-cost creative interventions can activate public space for climate awareness and connection.

In May 2026, we gathered together in Ankara for a short residency programme, building a temporary public space installation from salvaged materials, creating a participatory city-wide game to encourage sensory exploration of our environments, and a collective performance 'Becoming the River', tracing Ankara's lost rivers.

In November, we will be sharing this work and our approach at COP31, encouraging decision-makers internationally to recognise the potential of culture and arts in tackling the climate crisis. Our presence at the conference will involve a mobile We Gather Here kiosk, filled with activities and conversations, and a COP31 edition sensory game.