ArtEO - Environmental Data for Artists: Lessons from the Pioneer Phase

ArtEO is a non-profit initiative established with the simple aim of bringing Earth observation (EO) and other environmental data closer to artists and creatives. The mission of ArtEO is to facilitate easier access to data and imagery for artists, musicians, storytellers and creative professionals who wish to engage with climate change and environmental subjects. In the first phase of the initiative (‘Pioneer Phase’), ArtEO has worked with a diverse range of multidisciplinary artists who have produced work in many genres, ranging from large scale sculpture to immersive projections, movement-based performance art to video work, software-based sonification to powerful musical composition. These works have been showcased in a number of major art-science events, and in climate communications and innovation contexts, including the Ars Electronica Festival, MTFLabs, EGU, IAC and elsewhere.

ArtEO takes a specific approach to supporting artistic and creative engagement with EO data that is often distinct from other forms of science communication, data visualization and infographics. However, there are some overlaps and they share a common goal of achieving greater reach, visibility and impact with the data. There is an opportunity for cross-learning between all of these areas and this session will provide an insight into the process and methodologies undertaken by artists working with EO in the ArtEO Pioneer Phase, and what this has revealed about the challenges for the wider public of engaging with EO data and imagery. and about ArtEO’s aim is to achieve significant public reach with both the artworks themselves and the data utilised.