Sounds of the Changing Arctic

The Arctic is warming at three times the global average, significantly impacting people, place, and the environment. In Alaska these impacts are felt in very real ways. Yet, for various reasons, much of the science explaining those changes does not reach the people and communities most impacted. The one benefit that we have, however, is our interconnectedness. We prevailed upon those connections to create a unique collaboration of Arctic research and original musical compositions that brought the sounds of this changing Arctic to our Alaska communities most affected. Recognizing that music can inspire far beyond data, we paired 7 Arctic researchers from Fairbanks AK with composers in Juneau AK to create original chamber music compositions. Music inspired by features of particular Arctic research. To critical acclaim, we hosted three concerts featuring these unique compositions with the aim to reach and inspire those affected by these environmental changes, and to connect communities on common issues affecting us all. Additional visual artists were featured in association with the concert showcasing their own interpretation of our changing home. We produced a feature documentary capturing the process, the place, the science, and the people. Bringing together people with quite different mindsets for this collaboration required new thinking -very much out of the box. The collaborative success reached far beyond our original idea with significant press attention and demonstrated catalytic effect for building community.