Presented by the Melbourne Social Forum Arts, workshops, stalls, music, children's activities and more on what you can do about climate change and other social justice issues. Friday 17 to Sunday 19 April, Melbourne. The world is changing rapidly, with major crises such as climate change and the global financial meltdown polarising in people's minds the need for action. The time for discussion and talk is long over, realistic and practical ideas are needed now to help us all through our daily lives. In the Hothouse is a weekend festival that aims to do just that, bringing together diverse areas of Melbourne's community to lead discussion, engagement and (most importantly) action. To create and promote ideas that attendees can take home and put into effect immediately, making a real difference to their lives and the lives of those around them. The Festival consists of two parts. The event's launch on Friday evening is a perfect opportunity to warm the mind and spirit with a public forum led by four engaging and passionate speakers: * Charismatic television presenter, environmentalist and green lifestyle writer Tanya Ha will take us on a journey beyond consumerism and link our own wellbeing with solutions needed to fight climate change. * David Spratt, co-author of Climate Code Red and co-founder of Carbon Equity, will show us the role that society is playing to help avert the climate emergency. * Kirsten Larsen from Victoria Eco Innovation Lab will look at developing our local food system as a weapon to reduce our carbon footprints. * Mosese Waqa is a Pacific specialist involved in efforts to find creative convergences in mainstream development, human rights and security with building a culture of peace in sustainable Pacific communities. When: Friday 17 April 2009, 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Where: Room 11.01 (11th Floor), Victoria University City Campus, 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne. Cost: $2. The main event is spread across two days at the picturesque and inspiring CERES Environmental Park. The festival program is bursting at the seams with arts, music, workshops, speakers, food, drink and much more including the premiere performance of the Melbourne Social Forum's collaborative performance project with two Moreland based schools, Voices of our Future. Highlights include: * Music from The Conch, Orkeztra Glasso Bashalde, Radiant City and more; * Collaborative art projects including Photography, Sculpture and Found Art; * An Engage Media curated film night; * Children's clown, face painting and workshops; * Food and drink from local companies, including the infamous Good Brew beer bike; * Workshops and stalls to inform and educate on a wide variety of subjects from environmental issues, indigenous struggle, open source technology, radical craft, alternative thought, green renting, slow living and activism. When: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April 2009, 10.30am to 9pm on Saturday, 10.30am to 5pm on Sunday. Where: CERES Community Environmental Park, corner of Roberts and Stewart Streets, East Brunswick. Cost: One day concession $5, Full $10. Two days concession $10, Full $15. Full program details are available from the Melbourne Social Forum website. Contact Chris Ward on info@melbournesocialforum.org or 0433 255 721 for more information. Images : www.melbournesocialforum.org/joomla/images/MSF Photo collection.doc Contact Name: Chris Ward Contact Email: info@melbournesocialforum.org Website: Melbourne Social Forum