Working together on ecological thinking: relationality and difference.

This PhD by Public Output contributes to the wider understanding of 'ecological thinking' in the arts, through the portfolio of peer reviewed research publications of a producer of public art projects in the healthcare and environment settings. A timeline/visual map is included to draw attention to the interrelations between elements in the environmental domain and elements in the health and wellbeing domain. The researcher draws on both ecological understandings of relationality (Bateson, Biesta, Jacobs) and of difference (Morton) to frame the contribution made by the portfolio to ecological thinking in arts practice. The approach is based in practice-led research (Biggs, Coessens et al, Douglas, Nyrnes). Biggs provides an understanding of ensemble practices to inform the student's role as Producer and Researcher. Coessens et al. Douglas, and Nyrnes provide an articulation of the intrarelations between theory, material/context and the individual practitioner's voice. The works and reflective writings of Helen Mayer Harrison and Newton Harrison are drawn on in various publications to exemplify ecological thinking in arts practice. Their conception of 'joining a conversation' complements the wider focus on shared agency that forms one of the aspects of 'common theme'. Specific papers and chapters address key aspects of ecological thinking including participation, collaboration and interdisciplinarity (which are framed as key to relationality in the arts), together with complexity and failure which are key to the framing of difference in the context of practice in the arts

Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth : Visions of future systems and how to get there

Formalised knowledge systems, including universities and research institutes, are important for contemporary societies. They are, however, also arguably failing humanity when their impact is measured against the level of progress being made in stimulating the societal changes needed to address challenges like climate change. In this research we used a novel futures-oriented and participatory approach that asked what future envisioned knowledge systems might need to look like and how we might get there. Findings suggest that envisioned future systems will need to be much more collaborative, open, diverse, egalitarian, and able to work with values and systemic issues. They will also need to go beyond producing knowledge about our world to generating wisdom about how to act within it. To get to envisioned systems we will need to rapidly scale methodological innovations, connect innovators, and creatively accelerate learning about working with intractable challenges. We will also need to create new funding schemes, a global knowledge commons, and challenge deeply held assumptions. To genuinely be a creative force in supporting longevity of human and non-human life on our planet, the shift in knowledge systems will probably need to be at the scale of the enlightenment and speed of the scientific and technological revolution accompanying the second World War. This will require bold and strategic action from governments, scientists, civic society and sustained transformational intent.Peer reviewe

Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth: Visions of future systems and how to get there

Formalised knowledge systems, including universities and research institutes, are important for contemporary societies. They are, however, also arguably failing humanity when their impact is measured against the level of progress being made in stimulating the societal changes needed to address challenges like climate change. In this research we used a novel futures-oriented and participatory approach that asked what future envisioned knowledge systems might need to look like and how we might get there. Findings suggest that envisioned future systems will need to be much more collaborative, open, diverse, egalitarian, and able to work with values and systemic issues. They will also need to go beyond producing knowledge about our world to generating wisdom about how to act within it. To get to envisioned systems we will need to rapidly scale methodological innovations, connect innovators, and creatively accelerate learning about working with intractable challenges. We will also need to create new funding schemes, a global knowledge commons, and challenge deeply held assumptions. To genuinely be a creative force in supporting longevity of human and non-human life on our planet, the shift in knowledge systems will probably need to be at the scale of the enlightenment and speed of the scientific and technological revolution accompanying the second World War. This will require bold and strategic action from governments, scientists, civic society and sustained transformational intent