Falling From The Sky Symposium & Exhibition

The Symposium
Associate Professor Robyn Glade-Wright convened the Falling from the Sky Symposium earlier this month on Nguma Bada campus at Smithfield. Participants were diversely represented; from academia, regional council representatives, artists, Honour students and PhD students. The hybrid symposium reflected participants from Queensland, Victoria, Northern Territory and Western Australia.

When asked about her expectations from the symposium, Robyn said “ I was expecting discussion about the various fields, however it was clear that there was goodwill and participation from all disciplines. There was a clear appreciation of what we all bring to the table.”

Feedback quotes:

“Thank you so much for inclluding us in yesterday’s outstanding symposium! We were so inspired by your presentation and model for ‘science inspired and arts delivered’ new approaches. It was also fantastic to hear about the many artistic responses to ecological crises. We came away with a really strong sense of the power of collaboration; especially the comment about tree root entworks/fungi communications and how ecosystems are fundamentally collaborative. We very much hope to continue to follow everyone’s work and stay in touch. “

“Congratulations on the launch! The exhibition is absolutely beautiful and the works important. Thank you for sharing them with us.”

The exhibition
Robyn also curated the exhibition which was co-located at The Cairns Institute and the Lux Gallery. Robyn explained that it was an opportunity for professional artists and high school students to create works to address the impacts of climate change on the life of all animate species.

“It was a chance to process the horror of bats that fell to their death a few years ago in the 40 degree days in Cairns.” 

The exhibition was launched on May 5 and the opening address was given by Professor Stewart Lockie, Director of The Cairns Institute. Attended by 150 people which covered a broad section of the university and the local Cairns community.

Dr Helen Ramoutsaki performed a poetry piece to the crowd while they refreshed themselves on canapes, then moved on to peruse the various artworks on display.

Community impact
Robyn explained that “The school principals were delighted that the opportunity for their students to extend their capacity and engage with JCU. They felt that the engagement with a university was a great privilege and it meant students felt more at home and comfortable about coming to JCU.” 

Further information, contact robyn.gladewright@jcu.edu.au