Ways of Seeing Climate Change Symposium
Ways of Seeing Climate Change Symposium
‘Ways of Seeing Climate Change’ brought together artists and scientists to explore climate change and gave them the opportunity to plan ideas together on a future funded project. The event included workshops on climate change and action, health, fuel poverty, carbon footprint reduction and technology.
“Science can enter a dialogue with art because science has a wealth of wonderful theories and ideas which have a metaphorical strength to them.”
– David Malone, filmmaker and writer both of the BBC’s ‘Metamorphosis, The Science of Change’ and of the financial blog GolemXIV
Manchester has one of the highest numbers of scientists working on climate change and energy research in the UK. This event brought 70 artists and scientists together to explore this issue and look at new ways that this collaboration can contribute to a greater public understanding.
Speakers included Faisal Abdu’Allah, Artist; Dr Grant Allen, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, Manchester University; Professor Kevin Anderson, Climate Scientist, Tyndall Centre and Manchester; University; Sasha Englemann, Creative Technologist, Invisible Dust; David Malone, filmmaker and writer both of the BBC’s ‘Metamorphosis, The Science of Change’ and of the financial blog GolemXIV; Jordan Kaplan, curator, Tatton Park Biennial; Phil Korbel, Director, Cooler Projects CIC; Juergen Maier, Managing Director Siemens Industry Sector UK and Ireland; Mariele Neudecker, Artist; Erinma Ochu, Wellcome Trust Fellow, Life Sciences, Manchester University; Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice Chancellor, Manchester University, and Co-Chair of the Council for Science and Technology; John Vidal, Guardian Environment Editor.
In the evening at Manchester Museum, a series of performances from artists Adam Chodzko, Ellie Harrison, Tim Spooner and Owl Project were presented to explore ideas around science and climate change, from flooding to biodiversity and consumerism. These works were part of ‘Invisible Heat’, a new Invisible Dust project about the health effects of climate change, supported by the Wellcome Trust.The events were part of Manchester Science Festival 2013 and produced by Invisible Dust in association with Manchester University and supported by Siemens.
Image: © Mariele Neudecker, 400 Thousand Generations, 2009.