Miyuki Jokiranta is managing director of Seven Thousand Oaks Festival of Art and Sustainability (7KO). She has a Bachelor's in Journalism from New York University, a Master's in International Affairs and an environmental conscience that would put Captain Planet to shame.

1. Is your passion for the environment something that has been inbuilt in you since childhood or has it grown from your experiences and education?

I’ve always been a bit blown away by the natural environment, but not until after finishing my undergraduate degree and faced with the vast world of employment options did I think to integrate that inclination into my work. I worked as a radio reporter for an environmental science program, several arts programs and then with a not-for-profit organisation, who incorporated creative practise into their environmental agenda, which was definitely an inspiration when starting seven thousand oaks.

2. How did Seven Thousand Oaks come about?

The name of the organisation comes from an art work of the same name. Joseph Beuys was a German artist who was active in the 60s and 70s and was one of the founding members of the German Greens party. He came up with the idea, '7000 oaks', where he planted seven thousand oaks around the world.

I had just returned from a long stint overseas and was trying to figure out how to fit back in when I read about the 7000 oaks work. The ideas really resonated with me, so I wrote to the remaining Beuys family (Joseph having passed away a few years ago) and asked if I could extend the philosophy behind the work and create an organisation that would support a community of artists working with similar Beuysian ideas. They graciously accepted and that's how Seven Thousand Oaks was born.

3. What has been your experience with young people and their attitudes towards the environment? Is there a general lack of interest or do you think younger generations are quite environmentally aware?

The majority of people, young and old, that I have talked to are environmentally aware but tired of hearing of our bleak future and feel disempowered to do much more than change a lightbulb or a showerhead. The arts are so dynamic and full of exceptional thinkers and practitioners, I think it’s time they are given the opportunity to re-imagine the ideas that the scientists, politicians and economists have put on the table to find, hopefully, much more fun and engaging ways to participate in changing the direction we are heading.

4. What’s….

….your favourite restaurant in Melbourne?

Kake de Hatti

…the best place to take out-of-town friends in Melbourne?

The bat colony at Yarra Bend, down from the Fairfield boathouse.

…the best coffee in Melbourne?

Café Brother Baba Budan.