Being (Non)Human: Exploring Animal Lives and Worlds Through Art and Storytelling

​From whale language to altruism among mountain lions, humanity’s growing understanding of other animals’ intelligence, deep familial bonds, and complex societies is challenging long-held notions of our own uniqueness and fostering greater empathy for nonhumans. As the climate crisis threatens life on Earth as we know it, people around the world are increasingly asking: How can we enable every creature on Earth to thrive, and what can nonhuman lifeways teach us about how best to pursue our own?

In this interactive salon, we will explore these questions through the work of three Bay Area artists and storytellers: fine artist Julie Grantz, cartoonist SS Julian, and graphic novelist/conservation scientist Tiffany Yap. Through thought-provoking conversations, creative activities, and "artivism," we will share our awe at Nature’s majesty, celebrate its diversity, and together envision a world that works for all.

• ​7 pm: Nibbles, networking, and activities

• ​8 pm: Presentations and panel discussion

• ​9 pm: More conversation and activities!

​Suggested donation: $25. Donate what you can here or at the event via QR code!

(Donations made in advance are greatly appreciated, as they help us plan and prepare for the event more effectively. No one will be turned away due to an inability to donate. We want this event to be accessible to all who wish to participate, regardless of their financial circumstances.)

Vegan snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

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Hosted by Arts Humanitas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to deepening humanity’s connection to one another and to the natural world through immersive art experiences, meaningful dialogue, and direct engagement with nature. Arts Humanitas is committed to making transformative cultural and nature-based experiences accessible to broader audiences through its flagship initiative, the San Francisco Art, Nature, Ecology Biennale (coming April 16-18, 2027). Through this platform, we are building an interdisciplinary forum and digital ecosystem that brings together artists, environmental thinkers, scientists, Indigenous voices, and the public to explore climate stewardship and humanity’s evolving relationship with nature.

Follow us on social media via the links below:

• ​Instagram: instagram.com/sfbiennale.ecology/

• ​LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/arts-humanitas/

• ​Facebook: facebook.com/sfbiennale.ecology

• ​Substack: substack.com/@sfbiennaleecology

​All donations will support Arts Humanitas’ core operations, salon series, and upcoming biennale.

Our thanks to Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) for providing their gorgeous space for this event. DxE seeks to achieve revolutionary social and political change for animals in one generation by rejecting the speciesism that enables the mass torture and killing of nonhuman animals and the blatant disregard for their home - our planet - as well as the unjust and oppressive institutions and ideologies that harm all animals including humans. Click here to learn more about them and join the movement!