EcoConjunctions an interdisciplinary research project led by PI, Dr Minna Valjakka. The project explores the dynamic relationships between contemporary arts, natural sciences, sustainability and civil society from an ecocritical perspective. Its interdisciplinary approach draws on art history, sociology of art and civil society studies. Through selected case studies from Finland, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan, the project aims to:
trace local and transcultural genealogies of art-science collaborations
identify their strategies for translating, producing and contributing to scientific knowledge
critically analye the possible societal impacts
formulate non-Euro-American-centric frameworks
Climate Whirl Arts Program and Periferia exhibition have been selected as cases of the study, among others, including:
Cemeti Institute for Art and Society, Yogyakarta
Lifepatch, Yogyakarta
Tokyo University of the Arts, Tokyo
The Center for Creative Ecologies in University of California, Santa Cruz
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) / Environmental Humanities, Singapore
The Cultural Studies of Science group at ETH Zürich
This four-year project (2024–2028) is funded by the Research Council of Finland through its Academy Project 2024 call.
The launch of the project was celebrated in 19th March in Think Corner of Helsinki with panelists Paula Toppila / IHME Helsinki, Timo Vesala / INAR, University of Helsinki, Ulla Taipale / INAR / Climate Whirl Arts Program and Minna Valjakka / University of Helsinki.
More information here:
Photo: Tealemetree Workshop lead by Agnes Meyer-Brandis at Hyytiälä Forest Station. Photo: Agnes Meyer-Brandis, 2014