Seeds of Hope
and Action
22nd September to 4th October 2026
DanceEast, Ipswich
Free Admission
The Power of One:
small actions,big impact!
Photo by Martin Martz on Unsplash
Scroll down for venue info. and to register for events
The Exhibition
Welcome to Seeds of Hope & Action (SoHA) - an inspiring exhibition that invites you to explore the power we each have to create positive change.
Created by Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and Earth Charter International, this engaging 25-panel exhibition is designed for people of all ages. It explores how our everyday choices can help address climate change, protect the natural world, and build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future.
Through powerful stories, creative displays, and practical ideas for action, the exhibition encourages visitors to discover their own potential to make a positive difference in their communities and for the planet.
Whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or already taking action, we hope you'll leave feeling inspired, empowered, and full of hope.
Flyer: artwork by Victoria Isaac, design by Chris Smithers
Evening Activities
Alongside the exhibition, we are delighted to offer two additional evening activities providing welcoming spaces to explore the exhibition themes, share ideas, and connect with others who care about creating a better future:
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The Oneness of Life and our Environment: A dialogue on Nichiren Buddhism and the Earth.
2nd October 2026 at 6pm
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A screening of The People's Emergency Briefing film in conjunction with the Unitarian Meeting House in Ipswich. 3rd October 2026 at 6pm
Scroll down for further details and to register for these free events.
Dmytro Koplyk on Unsplash
Working with Schools
We host a glorious young people's Hackathon on the 29th September at DanceEast together with the #iWill movement; an organisation working to empower and support young people. Students from schools across the area will engage with the exhibition material and work in groups to create their own ideas for taking action to address climate and biodiversity challenges! No holds barred, no coaching from adults! All the ideas will be reviewed by a panel of community change-makers.
Suffolk One 6th Form College - New intake students from all subjects will be working with the content of the Seeds of Hope and Action exhibition as part of their induction week. The exhibition panels will transition for display at Suffolk One on the 5th of October 2026.
West Suffolk College - Art and Design Department students will be responding creatively to the exhibition content and the panels will transition for display at West Suffolk College on the 12th October 2026.
Studio dekorayson on Unsplash
Information and Events
Exhibition
Times + Venue
22nd Sept to 4th Oct
Open10am – 5pm
FREE ADMISSION
Whistler Gallery
Jerwood Dance House
Foundry Lane
Ipswich, IP4 1DW
Waterfront location and Cafe
How to get there by car and public transport.
Dialogue Evening
5 Buttermarket, Ipswich IP1 1BE
6pm Ipswich Umbrella
Friday 2nd October
The Oneness of Life and Environment: A dialogue on Nichiren Buddhism and the Earth.
A free friendly informal evening gathering in the Ipswich Umbrella space for those interested in finding out more about the Buddhist perspective on environmental issues.
FREE ADMISSION
Register to attend
Film Evening
Saturday 3rd October
6pm Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House
Friars Street, Ipswich, IP1 1TD
The People's Emergency Briefing
Experience this 50-minute documentary on climate and biodiversity risks, narrated by Chris Packham. A group discussion will follow the viewing.
FREE ADMISSION
Register to attend
Seeds of Hope Geometry Workshop
Sunday 27th September
10am Ipswich Umbrella
5 Buttermarket, Ipswich IP1 1BE
Emma of Elkie Wild Art invites you to come and learn how to draw the Seed of Life geometric pattern. Once the foundational geometry is created, you will be able to decorate and add a hope for the environment.
Materials provided.
FREE ADMISSION
Register to attend
Who are we?
Photo by Petra Nesti on Pexels
We are local members of Soka Gakkai International UK (SGI-UK), a diverse and socially engaged community of lay Buddhists. We share a belief that positive change in society begins with the inner transformation and actions of each individual. We are part of the wider Soka Gakkai movement, a global Buddhist community engaged in promoting peace, culture and education, and with NGO status at the United Nations.
Through our practice and activities, we seek to support people in recognising their own potential to create positive change and contribute to a more peaceful, just and sustainable society.
We seek to build bridges between individuals, communities, civil society and the United Nations, fostering dialogue and encouraging action rooted in respect for the dignity and value of every human life.
We hope this exhibition inspires you to discover the difference each of us can make—for ourselves, for one another and for our shared future.
If you would like to discover more about Nichiren Buddhism or meet members in your local area, please email joy.sgiukeas@gmail.com.
You will be warmly welcomed.
“I do not believe that people are powerless . . . The same power which moves the universe exists within our lives. Each individual has immense potential—and a great change in the inner dimension of one individual’s life has the power to touch the lives of others and transform society. Everything begins with us.”
Daisaku Ikeda
Hold Hope, Wage Peace