The Human Aquarium has arrived at the Arts and Climate Week at Imagine Leeds.
Based at the City Centre Climate Action Hub, the Human Aquarium has arrived for Arts and Climate Week at Imagine Leeds.
From the October 27, the immersive experience, curated by Yorkshire Life Aquatic, provides a visual walk through of our oceans, placing the creatures in the place of aquatic mammals.
Creative workshops help visitors consider the effects of single use plastics by creating artwork out of these materials.
Meet the Mermaid is one of the experiences available, showing the humanity of the ocean and how the creatures should be protected from disregarded rubbish. The experience allows children to learn about climate change and its impact on the ocean.
Lucy Meredith, a representative of Yorkshire Life Aquatic, has stepped into the role of the mermaid for the week. In her role she stated, “I have been talking to the children about the sea and how important it is and about how mermaids don’t like plastic in the sea.”
Interactive workshops like the ‘Build a Boat’ activity encourage visitors to think about their actions and create pledges to take responsibility.
The emphasis on human life, as shown by the mermaids, provokes thought on the importance of the sea on the life on land.
Zoe Parker is a member of the Yorkshire Life Aquatic team running the events. She said of the visitor participation, “There have been some really positive responses from people about the art. I think because it’s very inspiring and beautiful. It gives you that human perspective”.
Art work provided by external sources like Immortal Bloom uses sustainability and circular economy as creative inspiration.
Rachel Rea, Director of Immortal Bloom, said “When you add value to something, you are less likely to waste it and you have an appreciation of what that material is. That’s the message, really, is that appreciation of what has gone in to make the plastic itself.”
The Deep Water exhibition will be running until 3 November.
