“I have been surfing since I was a teenager… The ocean, the sea, and the waves have had a big influence on my life. It is so important that people finally comprehend that there is something bigger than them. The ocean teaches us to be humble, to respect it, and to accept that we are all part of something greater.”

Julian Schnabel

The first Parley was hosted by artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel at his Palazzo Chupi in New York. A select group of guests came together with the shared mission of sounding the alarm on the importance of protecting the world’s oceans. The aim of the discussions was to brainstorm how the creative industries could lend support to and cooperate with leading ocean sentinels like Captain Paul Watson from Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Amongst the attendees were Leonardo DiCaprio, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen of Google, Steven Soderbergh, Kevin Connolly, Pamela Anderson, Antony Hegarty, Laurie Anderson, Francesco Clemente, Arne Quinze, Walton Ford, Sante D'Orazio, and many others.

On his decision to host the first Parley, Schnabel said, “I have been surfing since I was a teenager… The ocean, the sea, and the waves have had a big influence on my life. When the ocean dies, the world will die along with it. It is so important that people finally comprehend that there is something bigger than them. The ocean teaches us to be humble, to respect it, and to accept that we are all part of something greater. I can do my part by bringing together some influential people and helping lay the groundwork for meaningful, constructive partnerships that not only bring financial returns, they also work to preserve the environment.”

JULIAN SCHNABEL

Julian Schnabel (born October 26, 1951) is an American artist and filmmaker. In the 1980s, Schnabel received international media attention for his "plate paintings"—large-scale paintings set on broken ceramic plates. Schnabel directed Before Night Falls, which became Javier Bardem's breakthrough Academy Award-nominated role, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, which was nominated for four Academy Awards. He has won the award for best director at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, a Golden Globe, as well as BAFTA, a César Award, two nominations for the Golden Lion and an Academy Award nomination.