Over the last twenty years, a number of projects have developed from collaborations between artists, architects, landscape designers, curators, engineers, scientists and communities that involve the remediation of land that has become environmentally depleted. This has given rise to a confluence of art, technology and social engagement, and could be considered a new form of multidisciplinary practice.
My paper addresses the sub theme of “Creative collaboration across and between disciplines, institutions and frameworks”, by discussing a cross disciplinary course that I have written and teach that focuses on the Environment, and which has led to a cross disciplinary Linkage Grant to remediate former mine sites.
Art & the Environment- Studies in the Field brings together students studying fine arts, design, media arts, architecture, engineering, science and environmental humanities. The course focuses on perceptions of land and encourages cross-disciplinary interaction and creative thinking. Students respond to a range of environmental problems by physically interacting with a large area of land I have called the ‘Creative Laboratory’ at UNSW Fowlers Gap and complete the course with an exhibition in Sydney.
The ARC Grant, titled ‘Transforming derelict mine sites via collaborative partnerships: Combining community and creative practice with science and technology’ is a collaboration between Art, Science. Mining engineering, Landscape Architecture and Architecture that will develop and test a novel approach to engage communities in transformation of derelict mine sites.