Art, science and disability: “Foram” public talk, panel discussion and visual art installation

_{Artist Alan James Burns speaking at the Foram event in the National Maritime Museum}  

What happened when neurodivergent artist Alan James Burns spent a month at sea on an arctic research expedition with climate historian Dr Audrey Morley and her team?

iCRAG’s 'Foram' event last week in the National Maritime Museum, Dun Laoghaire, had a lively panel chat with Alan, Audrey and Dr (opens in a new window)Fergus McAuliffe exploring the intersection of climate, art and disability. 

Some talking points:

• Size doesn’t matter. Audrey studies microscopic foram, or plankton, which, despite their tininess, hold essential clues about Earth’s ancient climate patterns, helping us to better understand how our rapidly changing climate might impact ocean life in the future. Alan’s art included a poem about how, despite being invisible, voiceless and seemingly insignificant, foram are important and valuable, just as everything and everyone is on this interconnected planet. 
•  People with disabilities are resourceful. They understand how to navigate barriers, know the value of community care and have “a lot of skill sets to bring to climate action”. But they can feel overlooked, for example in conversations around eliminating things they might depend upon, such as transport or plastic straws.
• People with disabilities are disproportionately affected by climate change both for socioeconomic reasons and because of their vulnerability in the aftermath of sudden catastrophes, such as floods.
• The "commonality" between climate change and disability is that both are considered "inconvenient".
• Collaboration is key. Dr Helen Taylor’s new scientific theory of ‘complementary cognition’ suggests that neurodiversity is an outcome of evolution because we will need different perspectives and skills to adapt and survive.
• Art makes complex science more accessible. And hopeful messaging is needed to counteract the negativity around climate change, allowing people to feel more prepared and empowered for action.

More information on the artist: https://www.alanjamesburns.com/