When we launched the Antarctica World Passport project back in 2008, we really believed in the force of international cooperation – Antarctica became a symbol of this hope. Then in 2011 the Syrian war erupted and the first large-scale refugee camps opened in Jordan. We saw the direct effects of mass-migration in Europe, which came to crisis point in 2016; the year of the Brexit referendum. Leaving Europe doesn’t mean that migration will go away, in fact the UNHRC predict an increase due to climate related disasters.
This is an important year of action for climate and biodiversity at Studio Orta. To coincide with the bi-centennial of the first sighting of the Antarctic continent, Antarctica World Passport embarks on a major UK-tour. Commencing in May 2020 and concluding at the UN Climate Change Summit COP26 Glasgow.
Issuing World passports is even more relevant today because climate change has no borders and cooperation on a global scale is even more necessary.
One of the aims of the passport back in 2008 was to help nurture a community that shares common values, for the safe guard of human rights and for climate justice. With 50,000 members, perhaps there is still reason to hope. It will be interesting to meet all the diverse communities across the UK and listen to their opinions and hopefully many more people with join the Antarctica World Passport community.
This new commission is supported by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust as part of a national arts programme exploring the critical role Antarctica plays in our global climate system. By harnessing greater awareness, Antarctica World Passport offers an opportunity to reflect on the changing geological and geopolitical status of Antarctica, and to discuss the legacy we wish to leave for future generations.
Later in November 2020, a second passport office travels to Moscow’s Tretyakov Gallery, for the exhibition Diversity United and will address issues such as, dignity and respect; conflict and dialogue; landscape and power; and our political and personal identities.
As France prepares to host the IUCN World Conservation Congress this June, new work from the series Amazonia will be premiered in Green Wave at the EDF Foundation Paris (March 17) and at the exhibition VIVANT in the Espace Génération Nature, Marseille curated by COAL (June 11). Finally, in New York, we will be purifying the New York Harbour water at the new LMCC Arts Center on Governors Island as part of an arts programme that focuses on ecology, sustainability and resilience. Find out more about Antarctica World Passport.