Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

24 hour documentary of the midsummer sun  (24 hour midsummer sun documentary)

Outline
Full details of the proposal can be viewed at http://www.aeneaswilder.co.uk/projects24arctic.html This proposal aims to create an eight channel video projection, documenting the sun as it traverses the Antarctic sky during a 24 hour period on or around the 21st December 2007. The documentary material would be created by recording the sun throughout its 360º journey. The 360º panorama would be divided up into 45º segments and documented through digital time-lapse photography. Eight digital cameras would document each 45º segment for a total of 24 hours. The sun, first located in camera 1 would traverse across and into the view of camera 2 and so on to camera 8, completing one rotation in the sky before the sun returns to its original starting point again in camera 1. Each of the eight documentary sections would be presented together side by side in a continuous video loop. The eight videos would be presented through data projectors on to a circular or semi circular or oval set of screens, allowing the audience to position themselves centrally both physically and metaphorically, and have the sun rotate around them. As the material would be time-lapsed, the time taken for the Sun to travel through 360º on the final completed video work would be one hour. As the material would be time-lapsed, the time taken for the Sun to travel through 360º on the final completed video work would be one hour.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project brings together several elements relating to our relationship with the global environment and offers the audience the opportunity to experience a beautiful manifestation of our relationship to the sun. To view the sun over a 24 hour period is such a rare experience. This can only be viewed from close to the poles. Through the use of the video installation to present the polar experience would place us, in a metaphorical sense, back at the centre of his/her universe thereby creating a mechanism for self / cultural reflection.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
International collaboration would be required as there are only 5 countries with territory within the artic polar region, none of which is the UK

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The preferred location would be Svalbard, However the project can be located anywhere within either of the polar regions, close to areas with human habitation

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: June/2007 – June/2007      June /2008 – June 2008      
Antarctic: June/2007 – June/2007      June /2008 – June 2008      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
transport of recording equipment to and from the polar regions. Transportation within the polar regions. Existing field stations, Helicopters , Fixed wing transport aircraft. These resources can be shared with other projects

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will not leave a legacy of infrastructure.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
National agency
Military support
Commercial operator
Other sources of support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

This is a new autonomous project. As a visual artist I am aiming to realise this project based on my own creative research and developmental skills

How will the project be organised and managed?
As the originator of this concept I will be the manager and main organiser of this project, looking to secure funding and bringing additional members into the project as needed.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education outreach and communication issues will be dealt with through a series of national lectures and talks relating to the projects development and subsequent experiences of realising an art project in the polar regions. In addition, workshop activities looking at environmental awareness through documentation would be held

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
all documentatry data (video) would be made available through exhibition presentations. The material would be archived in one of several national museums

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project is to be funded through national arts funding bodies and through sponsorship, in kind, from leading digital technology developers and manufacturers.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr AENEAS Wilder
2 HAWTHORNBANK TERRACE
EDINBURGH
EH6 4HQ

UK

Tel:
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation