It was sunshine and smiles all round as we celebrated Forests Without Frontiers’ fourth birthday in May with a fundraiser hosted by devilishly funny comedian and FWF ambassador Jen Brister.
Nicoleta Carpineanu and Jen Brister
Held on the seafront at Brighton Beach House, the evening was a great success – Jen kept everyone entertained, chatting to FWF founder Nicoleta Carpineanu (Nico de Transilvania) about her new album and film project Interbeing, encouraging auction bids and ribbing the audience with her famously dry humour.
The film and album, which won Cambridge Conservation Initiative’s Endangered Landscapes Art Prize last year, features traditional musicians (including 80-year-old Silvia Dan) who movingly talk about nature and its vital role in inspiring creativity – and lament its devastating destruction. Dr David Thomas from CCI took to the stage to say a few words about the poignancy of the project and why it was chosen for the prize.
Andrew Stuart Buttle
A screening of the film was followed by a live performance from Andrew Stuart Buttle, poetry by Niall Hollaert and DJ sets by FWF supporters Abstract Source (co-producer on Interbeing) and Brighton legend Nick the Record.
We were lucky to have artist supporters Stanley Donwood and Jasper Goodall present, whose work was on display and up for auction (there are more pieces available via our website – email to enquire). Prizes in the popular raffle ranged from vouchers for Canopy and Stars stay to wine tasting at Plateau.
Planet Loving Company dressed Jen in a gorgeous velvet suit and Nicoleta in a stunning wrap dress (both up for auction) and created some amazing T-shirts specially for FWF too. The two brilliant designs are available with short or long sleeves and male and female size. They’re available on the the PLC website, all profits go to FWF. Get yours now!
Limited edition long sleeve t-shirt
Limited edition short sleeve t-shirt
Funds raised from the evening will go towards our Sussex projects – including working with new partners Wilderlands Farm and the Children’s Forests. It was a great evening, doing what we love, bringing people together to have fun and do something for the planet using the power of music and arts.
It was also a chance for Forests Without Frontiers to celebrate our achievements to date – with over 150,000 trees planted in Romania and exciting projects taking shape in the UK. Andrew Stuart Battle is going to be part of a new musical project in Sussex, Enchanting Forest, working as co-producer alongside Nicoleta. The album will include Sussex soundscapes and nature-inspired songs and feature a children’s choir, capturing the magic of the landscape. In a similar model to the Interbeing project, the idea is to raise awareness and funds for local nature regeneration projects – and to engage local communities and artists.
The event allowed Forests to showcase its unique ability to combine conservation with creativity and look after whole ecosystems, including our human family!
A big thank you to Soho House for hosting and to everyone who supports us. It was a fabulous night!