EcoConjunctions is an innovative and interdisciplinary research project led by PI, Dr Minna Valjakka. The project explores the dynamic relationships between contemporary arts, natural sciences, sustainability and civil society from an ecocritical perspective. Its interdisciplinary approach draws on art history, sociology of art and civil society studies. Through selected case studies from Finland, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan, we aim both to contribute and to decolonise the growing recognition that contemporary arts can translate scientific knowledge, participate in sustainability research (Trott et al 2020, Heras et al 2021), inspire societal change (Paterson et al) and influence international law and policy making (Entwisle Chapuisat 2024).
The main objectives include:
- to trace local and transcultural genealogies of art-science collaborations
- to identify their strategies for translating, producing and contributing to scientific knowledge
- to critically analye the possible societal impacts
- to formulate non-Euro-American-centric frameworks
This four-year project (2024–2028) is generously funded by the Research Council of Finland through its Academy Project 2024 call.