Initiative

Southeast Asia Outreach Program

We connect journalism on climate, the environment, and AI accountability with artists, young people, and communities.

Art can make journalism more accessible and relatable by translating complex issues into something people can see, feel, and engage with. By showcasing stories in public spaces—whether in galleries, schools, or on dining tables—art brings journalism to where people are. It sparks conversation, builds understanding, and involves communities who might not otherwise connect with traditional reporting. That is exactly what our Southeast Asia Outreach Program seeks to do. Through the following initiatives, we connect journalism on climate, the environment, and AI accountability with artists, young people, and communities.

Arts and creative expression inspired by journalism

Working with artist collectives, we curate art exhibitions inspired by the Pulitzer Center-supported coverage, showcasing environmental stories from Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Our past exhibitions include the “If the Walls Can Talk” exhibition in Manila (2024) and the “Kisah Rimba” exhibition in Bali (2023). Beyond exhibitions, we initiate creative campaigns such as the “I Miss You Pla Tu Thai” to shed light on the disappearance of Thai mackerel, inspired by a Pulitzer Center-supported project.

Launched on World Ocean Day in 2024 with a symbolic dinner to address the pressing matter of the decline of Thai Longtail Tuna (Pla Tu in Thai), the initiative was followed by a month-long small exhibition, artist mini residency in coastal areas, and school engagement. 

Digital contests and collaboration with content creators

We introduced our inaugural project, "Show Me Your Tree," a digital campaign to create an emotional, interactive platform for sharing genuine stories and memories related to our rainforests and natural surroundings. The campaign successfully engaged our audiences, motivating them to generate various content including photos, reels, and short films. As part of the "Our Work/Environment" initiative, we held a workshop for participants from across sectors including business, academia, media and labor in Thailand. In addition, we launched the ‘Too Hot To Work’ digital campaign to introduce the topic to a wider audience.

Watch participant feedback

Public festivals and film screenings  

We bring quality journalism to public festivals, cultural events, and film screenings in Southeast Asia, creating spaces for a wider audience to explore critical issues through Pulitzer Center-supported journalism. To date, we have participated at the Cambodia International Film Festival, Makassar Writers Festival in Indonesia, and co-hosted the Sweat, Drought and Labor, mini Climate and Labor pop-up cinemas in Thailand’s Northeast region. These initiatives have raised awareness about climate and environmental challenges in Southeast Asia among youth, environmental advocates, and creative individuals.

CONTACT

Interested in learning more? Reach out to [email protected] or to specific members of the team:

GENERAL INQUIRIES
Intan Febriani, International Education and Outreach Director | [email protected]
Bruna Wagner, Senior Program Manager | [email protected]

OUTREACH
Vijitra Duangdee, SEA Outreach Manager | [email protected]

SECTIONS