Engaging visions

• John Reid, and others
• Centre for the Public Awareness of Science

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Report cover: Studio Racket / Engaging Visions

13 September 2010The goal of this project was to configure a model procedure for visual artists to participate in, and/or engage with, Murray Darling Basin catchment communities to help address environmental concerns.

The subject of the Engaging Visions Research Project was an established ANU School of Art program called Field Studies. During a Field Studies program artists participate in a series of field trips to locations of artistic inspiration while interacting with and learning from communities in the area. Artworks generated through this experience are exhibited in the local community.

The Field Studies program was convened and coordinated by the Environment Studio at the ANU School of Art. The research evaluation component of Engaging Visions was conceived and conducted by the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at the ANU.

This research project was undertaken from 2007 to 2010. It focused on four Field Studies programs in the Murray Darling Basin: St George (Queensland 2007), Tumut (New South Wales 2008), Riverland (South Australia 2008) and Benalla (Victoria 2009). [Murray Darling Basin Map]

The primary outcome of the research was the development of the Field Studies v2 Procedure, made available via a dynamic web-based Guide. The evolving procedure will be continuously tested, revised and updated. Participation and feedback from artists, art organisations, art educators and communities are welcome.

The Engaging Visions Research Project is an initiative of The Australian National University and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. Financially supported by the Australian Research Council.