Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The Motion of Place: Changing Landscapes in the Polar Regions (working title only)  (The Motion of Place)

Outline
This photographic project explores our human relationships to the high-latitude environments. I would like to express landscape, not objectively as a static entity separate from the self, but from a subjective perspective that understands landscape as something dynamic, constantly changing and inseparable from self. Working with grainy black and white film and slow shutter-speeds, I am working to convey the motion and change, inherent in place, that are effected at both human and geological scales. I am working closely with Inuit communities in Arctic Canada to better understand and represent the traditional and contemporary relations between people and place. In the absence of an indigenous population in the Antarctic, my work offers an alternate ‘geographical imagination’ which focuses on the solitude of remote spaces, based on my experiences as an alpinist in high latitude and high altitude regions and as a single-handed ocean sailor. As an artist with a background in earth sciences (undergraduate degree in geography focused on glaciology, atmospheric science and arctic studies) I am in an ideal position to translate scientific knowledge into a medium more accessible to a wider audience. This work will be disseminated to the public through a book being published by the Dutch publishing house Mets and Schilt. Co-producers may also be brought onboard from Canada, the U.S. and another European partner. The work will also be widely viewed in galleries and museums throughout Europe and North America. In addition to the work already conducted in the Arctic and Antarctic, I will be pursuing collaboration opportunities with other research projects working in these areas for the upcoming 2007-2008 seasons.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Art has the ability to communicate information in a way that is often more accessible and immediate, to large parts of the population, than is science. With my background in earth sciences, I am in an ideal position to translate scientific information into a conceptual and visual framework for the general public. This project has the ability to increase awareness of climate and cultural change as well as appreciation of the polar environment to a broad group of people.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
I will be working with the Dutch publishing house Mets and Schilt toward publishing the book (and potentially co-producers in Canada, the U.S. and another European partner). Galleries and museums from throughout Europe and North America will be exhibiting the work. Future logistics will likely involve collaboration with international partners.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
In January 2007, I completed work along the Antarctic Peninsula and through the spring of 2007, I will continue working with Inuvialuit communities in the Canadian Arctic. For the 2008 season and summer 2007, I am pursuing collaboration with scientific or other projects already established in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 03/07 – 05/07      07/07 – 08/07      05/08 – 08/08
Antarctic: 01/07 – 02/07      12/07 – 02/08      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
This project will work with local communities and pre-established facilities. Most of the project will be self-supported or share resources with other projects.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No.

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

Worked as crew aboard a 60ft sailboat along the Antarctic Peninsula facilitating independent mountaineering expeditions. Will apply to join NSFs artist and writers program or other polar opportunities.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - The project is endorsed by the Dutch publishing house Mets and Schilt and a growing list of international galleries and museums.

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?


This project is the result of a lifetime of working, studying and climbing in high latitude, high altitude and open ocean environments.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be self-managed under the framework of my business, No Barriers Photography, and in collaboration with my publisher, Mets and Schilt.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
This work will be shared with the public through gallery and museum exhibits throughout Europe and North America, coinciding with the launch of the book. I will also be giving presentations of the work to select non-profit groups. The work is available to a wide audience via my website: www.nobarriersphotography.com and select images will feature in magazine publications.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
My black & white negatives are all archivally stored and photographs are printed as silver gelatin prints on archival fibre paper. Images are also scanned and stored as high-resolution digital copies.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
To date, the project has been personally funded. Travel to the Antarctic has been provided by friends, aboard whose sailboat I worked as crew and accommodation has been offered by other friends living in Arctic communities. Future funding may depend on grants or other resources.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Roberta Holden No Barriers Photography
4362 w.2nd ave. Vancouver


V6R 1K3
Canada

Tel:
Mobile: 1 77 88 99 4226
Fax: 1 604 732 4226
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation