Forecast
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
A year-long participatory exhibition at The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA), Forecast merges arts, science, and education, for audiences of all ages. Participants interact with 'Disappearing Forests', painting evaporating treescapes, and 'Weather Patterns', a daily-changing installation reflecting atmospheric currents and shifts. These meditative experiences create space for deep listening, attention, and care, addressing rising eco-anxiety and climate grief.
Research Contribution
Emphasis on embodied, meditative interaction offered an alternative to didactic climate communication, expanding the role of contemporary art as a site for engagement, care, and creative pedagogy. Innovative, artist-led approach that bridge arts, science, and education to engage diverse publics in addressing climate change. Participatory, sensory experiences facilitated responding to changing weather patterns & encouraged collective emotional processing of eco-anxiety and climate grief.
Research Significance
Innovative integration of Indigenous knowledge systems, artistic practice, and scientific dialogue in responding to climate unpredictability and the emotional impact of ecological crisis. Reaching over 80,000 visitors it was featured on media platforms such as Greenmagazine, and the National Indigenous Times, receiving 368 written testimonials affirming its relevance and accessibility. Surveys from 87 visitors showed significant increased understanding of First Nations perspectives of nature as family, and increased connection with the environment. The WA Bureau of Meteorology stated the project was "at the leading edge of change...that goes beyond the boundaries at the Bureau" (WA Manager). Forecast demonstrated cross-sector significance as a model for climate communication, mental health support, and community resilience to centre connection, care, climate attunement and creative agency across generations.
Non-Traditional Research Output
Curated Exhibition or Event
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2024
Evidence of First Exhibition/Presentation
Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) Gallery
Location of the Work
Art Gallery of Western Australia
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts / School of Arts and Humanities
RAS ID
82729
Links and/or Documentation
Event Title
Forecast
Event Dates
March 2024 - March 2025
Event Venue
Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) Gallery 09
Additional Information
Forecast concept and development in collaboration with AGWA, The WA Bureau of Meteorology and invited artists Dianne Jones and Eva Fernandez
Duration
12 month exhibition x 80,000 visitors
Comments
Pollitt, J., Blue, L., Jones, D., Fernandez, E. (2024). Forecast. Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) Gallery 09.