Creative Pathways to Energy Accessibility Workshop

Join us for a deep listening circle, where we take the power of deep listening to the environment and systems thinking in arts for social change (ASC) approach to create a safe space for dialogue on environmental care and collaboration around energy accessibility.

Let’s build a future where energy is accessible, equitable, and driven by care.

Imagine having to choose between keeping your home warm during freezing Alberta winters and putting food on the table. For one in five families in Alberta, this agonizing decision is a reality due to the growing issue of energy inaccessibility. Alberta, despite being at the heart of Canada's oil and gas industry, is the only province without a home upgrade program to assist low-income families in improving energy efficiency. As energy costs continue to rise, these struggles often lead to exhaustion—mentally, emotionally, and even physically. It’s time to rethink energy governance with a focus on care, collaboration, and accessibility. If you care about environmental justice and want to support a more equitable and compassionate energy future in Alberta, we invite you to join The Deep Listening Circles. Whether you’re a member of the community affected by energy poverty or an energy stakeholder seeking new ways to collaborate and create change, your voice matters. Together, we can work toward a future where energy access is not a privilege but a right, and where care and collaboration guide our approach to energy governance.

Amplify Community Voices Advocating for Energy Accessibility

Let's work together to protect our planet and create an equitable energy future. Join our community dialogues and participate in creating a soundcape composition.

Community Dialogues That Need Your Contribution:

Highlight #1

How can we foster a culture of environmental care and collaboration during the energy transition amidst the climate crisis?

Highlight #2

In what ways can we enhance energy accessibility and promote collective care during the transition to sustainable energy?

Highlight #3

How can the arts help foster a more inclusive and participatory energy democracy in Alberta?

Here's What Energy Stakeholders in Alberta have to say...

"I was amazed at the series of workshops by Shumaila Hemani. In my 22 years of experience in the climate field, I never have never had the opportunity to combine my background in film/photography/art with climate change. The work Shumaila is doing is incredibly innovative, and I think it touched a deep yearning among the participants to seek equity and justice in this world in which we are immersed." Helen Corbett, CEO, All One Sky International "Shumaila is an excellent facilitator. She guies participants to tap into new ways of experiencing their surroundings through sound and listening, helping them come away with a new perspectives." Stefanie Drozda, Program Officer, Alberta Ecotrust,

Join The Deep Listening Circles and take part in the transformation of Alberta’s energy governance

Engage in meaningful dialogue on energy affordability

Discover creative pathways to address energy challenges

Explore resources for energy conservation and home upgrades

Advocate for an inclusive energy democracy

Meet Our Facilitator

Shumaila Hemani, Ph.D.

Musician Changemaker at Mellon Foundation-funded Music to Life (2024) Former Artist in Residence, Trico Changemakers Studio, Alberta Ecotrust, and the International Centre of Arts for Social Change (2022-24)

Passionate about nurturing environmental care and collaboration

Prospective Meeting Locations

1) University of Calgary's Social Innovation Hub: Alaistair Ross Technology Centre, University of Calgary: 3553 31 St NW, Suite 290, Calgary AB, T2L 2K7 2) Energy Transition Centre at Ampersand, 112 4 Ave SW, East 15th Floor, Calgary, AB T2P 3N3 TIMES & DATES: TBA

A Personal Note from Dr. Hemani

Help us in nurturing a culture of care and collaboration to envisage low-carbon and net zero energy futures in Alberta

What are Deep Listening Circles?

The Deep Listening Circles are an innovative initiative designed to address both the tangible and emotional challenges of energy inaccessibility. Through Deep Listening Circles, we create spaces where members of marginalized communities—newcomers, seniors, people with disabilities, single mothers, and others—can come together to share their stories of energy poverty. But this is not just about airing grievances. These circles provide care and support, offering participants the chance to process their feelings of frustration, stress, and isolation while being heard and uplifted by their community. But the circles aren’t just for those directly affected—they’re also for energy stakeholders, including policymakers, environmental advocates, and industry leaders. By participating, they gain deeper insight into the lived experiences of those facing energy poverty and can work collaboratively to develop more inclusive, empathetic energy solutions.

Let’s come together to reimagine energy governance—one that ensures everyone has the resources they need and the support they deserve.

Join the Deep Listening Circles, where we take the power of the Arts for Social Change (ASC) and systems thinking approach to create a safe space for dialogue on energy democracy. You will benefit from a safe space to share your perspectives, participate in a creative activity, and find resources for energy conservation & home upgrades.

Present Partners

Our present partners include Mellon Foundation-funded Music to Life an Calgary Arts Development Association (CADA), and University of Calgary's Social Innovation Hub.

Music to Life Academy

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Calgary Arts Development

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Mellon Foundation-funded Seed Grant

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Former Partners

Phase I of the project was carried out during the Artist Residency at Trico Changemakers Studio (Mount Royal University) and was funded by Calgary Arts Development, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Metcalf Foundation through the Futures/Forward program at the International Centre of Arts for Social Change. Key partners included the Canadian New Music Network, which helped document the work for their hub, as well as the Arusha Foundation, Map the Systems Canada, and Alberta Media Alliance. Special thanks to our community partner, Alberta Ecotrust, for helping us initiate this work of bringing artistic perspectives to the challenge of energy accessibilityé