George Monbiot and Steve Nayar to host a free event at Totnes Fringe this weekend

Totnes Fringe Festival Presents: Art in a Time of Catastrophe – a free event with George Monbiot and Steve Nayar. 

The Totnes Fringe Festival is proud to announce a powerful and timely free event: Art in a Time of Catastrophe, featuring acclaimed writer, environmental activist, and broadcaster George Monbiot alongside visionary artist Steve Nayar.

George Monbiot

In an era defined by ecological crisis, political upheaval, and social fragmentation, Monbiot and Nayar will explore the vital role of creativity in responding to catastrophe. Together, they will ask: Can art help reimagine the future? Can it galvanise action, foster connection, and offer hope when all seems lost?

artist Steve Nayar

George Monbiot is an internationally renowned journalist and author, known for his fearless reporting on environmental and political issues, as well as bestselling books such as Feral and Out of the Wreckage. His writing has inspired countless readers to engage with the pressing challenges of our time.

Steve Nayar is a celebrated British artist whose evocative paintings explore themes of identity, landscape, and the human relationship with the natural world. A seven-time finalist in the prestigious Wildlife Artist of the Year competition, Nayar is known for his evocative portraits of endangered animals, rendered in striking realism and emotional depth. His paintings have been exhibited widely and are recognised for their ability to communicate both beauty and urgency.

Both Monbiot and Nayar live locally to Totnes, bringing a unique community perspective to this urgent and inspiring conversation, which invites audiences to reflect on the transformative power of art at a moment when the world needs it most.

In addition, the festival is proud to announce an exclusive opportunity to place a bid on a stunning oil painting titled Steller Sea Lion by Steve Nayar. The Totnes Fringe Festival is hosting a sealed-bid auction for this unique and valuable piece. Bids can be submitted above the agreed reserve price of £1,500 by emailing interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The auction will close on 13 July 2025, at which point the highest bidder will secure the piece. All proceeds will go directly to supporting artists and events at Totnes Fringe Festival. For full terms and conditions and more information about this piece, please visit https://totnesfringe.uk/art-for-arts .

The full programme and tickets for other events at the Totnes Fringe Festival are available at: www.totnesfringe.uk