Key Points
- The Climate Clock public art trail is a collaborative project between artists and scientists aimed at visualizing environmental change and promoting sustainability.
- The project highlights seven internationally renowned artists, including British-Nigerian artist Ranti Bam and Brussels-based visual artist Gabriel Kuri.
- The public art trail will feature seven site-specific outdoor installations, each created by an artist-scientist duo.
- The Climate Clock art trail will open in June 2026 and will be a permanent installation in Oulu.
- The Climate Clock project is curated by Alice Sharp, who has 15 years of experience working with researchers and artists in the field of ecological art.
In Finland, an innovative collaboration between artists and scientists is taking shape to raise awareness about climate change and promote a greener planet. This initiative, supported by organizations such as IHME Helsinki , creates a space where art and science merge to design engaging projects, raising environmental awareness.
Climate Clock: A Public Art Trail for Sustainability
One of the flagship projects of this initiative is the Climate Clock public art trail , which will be inaugurated in Oulu, Finland . This innovative project highlights the impact of environmental change through immersive works, encouraging visitors to think about sustainability and the climate emergency .
As part of this project, artist Rana Begum is collaborating with glaciologist Alun Hubbard to illustrate the accelerated melting of glaciers in the Arctic Circle. Their contribution is part of the Climate Clock project, which will feature seven outdoor artworks , each exploring a different aspect of the climate crisis .
A Key Project for Oulu 2026, European Capital of Culture
The art trail will open in June 2026 and will be a major part of the celebrations for Oulu 2026 , the future European Capital of Culture . Rana Begum’s interactive sculptures , inspired by Oulu’s light and sea ice, will offer visitors an immersive experience to better understand the climate transformations affecting the region.
Seven Artists Committed to a Lasting Impact
This project brings together seven renowned artists collaborating with local residents and scientific experts to create lasting works for Oulu's public space. Through this approach, the initiative goes beyond the simple art exhibition and maintains an ongoing dialogue about the environment and sustainability .
Among them, Antti Laitinen uses natural elements such as moss and lichens to visualize air quality , while Rana Begum 's work highlights the alarming rate at which Arctic glaciers are melting . The Climate Clock public art trail thus transforms the climate crisis into a tangible and personal reality for visitors.
"The Most Precious Clock in the World": A Participatory Work
Finally, a unique installation, entitled "The Most Precious Clock in the World" , will invite Oulu residents to share their thoughts on what they consider to be the most precious elements in our world . This symbolic work aims to encourage collective awareness and inspire everyone to take action for the protection of the environment .
Through this unique alliance between art and science , the Climate Clock Oulu project represents a new way to raise awareness about climate change , actively engaging citizens in a reflection that is essential for the future of our planet.
Jean Dubreil
| ArtMajeur Magazine