Co-Creating Sustainability: Integration of Local Ecological Knowledge in Art Works

Dear Colleagues, 

Scholars and practitioners note the potential and functional outcome of art and artistic processes while discussing sustainability issues including climate change (Thornes, 2008; Eernstman, 2014; Shimbo, 2016). As recent studies note, art and artistic contributions may not only share scientific knowledge through the artwork but also take part in knowledge co-creation with the communities of interest (Rathwell and Armitage, 2016). There are also several examples of artists working with local communities co-fostering the local knowledge, acknowledging its importance and vulnerability without the direct involvement of scientific collaboration. This Special Issue will collect works which show the interplay between local ecological knowledge (LEK) and various forms of art. We welcome both theoretical and empirical studies which explore the link between environmental art and local ecological knowledge, such as research on the roles of art (e.g., learning about LEK through artwork and methods of integrating local community members in co-creation processes). Additionally, valuable insight could be provided by the reflection of existing case studies regarding the potential of artwork to serve as a driving force to preserve LEK and/or safeguard its existence. There is a wide variety of types and forms of integrating art in knowledge transmission and co-creation, such as recycled art, botanical and culinary arts, promoting the sustainable use of the environment through storytelling, street art, design, music, or dance, etc. We are also expecting contributions that discuss how and to what extent various art processes are applied in connection with LEK, including the power of art in terms of change and the re-creation of responsibility. We encourage the use of novel and unconventional approaches with high interdisciplinary ground. Further, we welcome various disciplinary members to submit their studies, including researchers from the applied sciences (e.g., architecture), social science and humanities (e.g., culinary arts), as well as professional artists practising various types of art including but not limited to visual arts. 

References

Eernstman, N. (2014) Art as a source of learning for sustainable development. Dissertation. University of Arts London in partnership with Falmouth University.

Rathwell, K. J., Armitage, D. (2016) Art and artistic processes bridge knowledge systems about social-ecological change: An empirical examination with Inuit artists from Nunavut, Canada. Ecology and Society, 21(2):21.

Thornes, J. E. (2008) A Rough Guide to Environmental Art. Annual Review of Environment and Resources.

Shimbo, S. (2016) Environmental Art and Ikebana: Reflection of Wye River Project.International Journal of Ikebana Studies, Vol.4

Prof. Dr. Renata Soukand
Prof. Dr. Andrea Pieroni
Dr. Baiba Prūse
Guest Editors

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• Traditional
• Knowledge
• Local knowledge
• Environmental art
• Co-creation through artworks