UK’s first Blue Carbon Artist in Residence set to open immersive exhibition at the UK’s National Aquarium

A new immersive art exhibit is opening in the National Marine Aquarium on the 8th July 2022. Titled ‘The Seagrass Walk’, the exhibit will be a blue carbon-inspired immersive experience that uses multimedia informed by scientific research to showcase the ocean’s wonder plant, seagrass.

Rosie Sherwood, the UK’s first Blue Carbon Artist in Residence, has been working with people and organisations across Plymouth to create the immersive experience. It uses photography, video, lights, and sculpture, combined with elements created using recycled ocean plastics and taking inspiration from the shape of the exhibits in the UK’s National Aquarium.

The Plymouth-based Aquarium is run by the charity, The Ocean Conservation Trust, and the art installation is aimed to raise awareness about the incredible ocean plant seagrass, from its ability to store huge amounts of carbon to being a biodiversity hotspot.

Helen Gowans, Public and Community Engagement Manager at the Ocean Conservation Trust, said: “At the Ocean Conservation Trust we have been focused on restoring vulnerable seagrass habitats for over a decade. With the growing importance of blue carbon in the fight against climate change we are delighted to have this immersive art installation in our Aquarium to inspire all our visitors.”

Seagrasses are one of the most valuable and biodiverse habitats on the planet and are one of the few habitats that provide multiple benefits to the environment. The Ocean Conservation Trust has just launched its biggest and most ambitious project yet, Blue Meadows, which will protect the seagrass meadows we already have and over the longer term restore what we have lost.

Rosie Sherwood said: “Having the chance to create art and contribute to the global conversation around ocean health is a dream come true. Blue carbon and seagrasses are essential puzzle pieces in the fight against the climate crisis. Nothing could be more inspiring. Working with such proactive and forward-thinking organisations and individuals has forever changed my art and taught me a huge amount. I can’t wait for the public to see and engage with the art I have made.”

‘The Seagrass Walk’ has been made possible through a programme led by the University of Plymouth, the Ocean Conservation Trust and Plymouth City Council, supported by funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

It builds on the city’s status as one of the world’s most forward-thinking centres for marine research, innovation, education and action.

Entrance to the new art exhibit is free with tickets to the Aquarium, so visit national-aquarium.co.uk to book tickets and immerse yourself in The Seagrass Walk.

Find out more about the NMA: https://www.national-aquarium.co.uk/