Hírek, aktualitások
The Climate and Me
The University of Pannonia hosted the sustainability roll-up traveling exhibition of the Austrian Cultural Forum Budapest as part of its Green Up programme, and we had a discussion with its curator Tino Blondiau.
How did you connect with the Austrian Cultural Forum and what else do you do?
Because the Exhibitions "The Climate and Me" it's a collaboration between the state of Lower Austria, and the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This exhibition („The Climate and Me” roll-up travelling exhibition) focuses on the sustainability. What is its purpose and message?
Exhibitions like "The Climate and Me" often aim to raise awareness about environmental issues, prompting viewers to reflect on their impact on the planet and encouraging them to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. The purpose usually involves sparking conversations, educating audiences, and inspiring action towards a greener future. The purpose and message of "The Climate & Me" exhibition are to effectively educate and inspire action regarding climate change. The exhibition is prompting viewers to reflect on their impact on the planet and encouraging them to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. The purpose usually involves educating audiences, and inspiring action towards a greener future. This mobile exhibition, conceptualized in 2022, travels extensively across various countries, presenting its content in three languages and across 20 locations.
You have already been through a few exhibitions, what is the feedback on the exhibition?
The exhibition has been very well received due to its vibrant and colorful nature. Its appeal also stems from its exploration of various aspects of everyday life. The colorful presentation captivates visitors and makes the complex topics more accessible and engaging. By addressing different facets of daily life, the exhibition resonates with a diverse audience, sparking interest and facilitating a deeper connection with the subject matter.
Why did you choose the roll-up format?
The decision to adopt the roll-up format for the exhibition was primarily due to its practicality and ease of setup. With 15 colorful roll-ups encompassing six key thematic areas, the exhibition required a format that was not only visually engaging but also easily transportable and quick to set up at different locations. The roll-up format offers convenience in terms of mobility, allowing the exhibition to travel efficiently from one venue to another. Its lightweight nature and simple setup process ensure that it can be assembled and displayed in various spaces without extensive logistical challenges. Moreover, the large size of the roll-ups provides ample visual space to delve into complex topics related to climate change. The vibrant design and layout make the information easily digestible and accessible to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. By utilizing this format, the exhibition aims to captivate and engage audiences, effectively conveying the critical message about how personal behavior influences the climate through data and figures.
What examples can you give of artists or exhibitions that have successfully integrated sustainability into their artistic expression and thus made visitors aware of the importance of sustainable living?
Exhibitions addressing climate change should be backed by factually grounded data and made as interactive as possible to allow for an engaging and playful learning experience. Additionally, incorporating simple real-life examples is ideal. For instance, at the Museum Niederösterreich, we had displays allowing visitors to lift weights representing the amount of CO2 present in various products. Such hands-on experiences make complex information tangible and accessible.
How can the arts community be further involved in sustainable practices and initiatives, for example through community projects or arts workshops?
At the Energy and Environmental Agency of Lower Austria, we're dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to knowledge sharing and education. We continuously strive to pioneer new formats, seeking dynamic ways to engage and inform our audiences. We firmly believe that effective communication hinges upon tailoring our methods to suit the diverse needs and interests of our target audience. Understanding the unique preferences and characteristics of different groups guides our efforts in crafting engaging educational experiences. Whether it's through interactive exhibitions, hands-on workshops, dynamic presentations, or creative initiatives, our aim is to make information not just accessible but captivating and relevant.
What are the plans for the future, and how will future exhibitions be designed to further emphasise sustainability and encourage visitors to think and act sustainably?
Bookings for the exhibition are open until June 2025, extending a warm invitation for everyone to personally engage with this inspiring initiative. Whether domestically or internationally, the exhibition is available for bookings, and we eagerly anticipate numerous future collaborations. Our team is excited to facilitate this meaningful experience and looks forward to fostering many more partnerships, both locally and abroad.