Save the date: Dark Ecology Journey from 26-30 November 2015

After a tremendous first edition last October, we are very happy to announce the next research journey to Northern Norway and Russia at the end of this year. Dark Ecology is a three-year art, research and commissioning project, initiated by the Dutch organisation Sonic Acts and Kirkenes-based curator Hilde Methi, in collaboration with Norwegian, Russian and other European partners. Dark Ecology unfolds through research, the creation of new artworks, and a public programme in the zone on both sides of the Russian–Norwegian border. The programme includes lectures, presentations of commissioned artworks, curated local walks, a discursive programme, and concerts. For all of you who couldn’t join us last year or who are inspired by the results and stories: the second edition of the Dark Ecology Journey is scheduled for 26–30 November 2015 and will take the participants to Kirkenes, Nikel, and Murmansk. Please make a note of these dates! The sub-theme for the Dark Ecology Journey 2015 is ‘Making Things Speak’, and focuses on giving a ‘voice’ to objects and things. More information about the programme and how to apply for the journey will follow soon.

Dark Ecology Journey 2014 (photo by Benny Nilsen)

In the meantime, we would like to refresh your memory of the first Dark Ecology journey. Last October, we visited sites on both sides of the border between Northern Norway and Russia with a group of artists, curators and theorists. Highlights included the lecture Human Thought at Earth Magnitude by Timothy Morton (the philosopher who coined the term 'Dark Ecology'), a visit to the mine beneath the iron ore plant in Kirkenes, and a mind-blowing infrasonic land art installation and presentation by Raviv Ganchrow. For photos and videos of the first research journey, see www.darkecology.net. Check out the Field Notes on the Dark Ecology website for video and photo reports, interviews, reports, art installations and other media concerning the project. If the Dark Ecology project is completely new to you, this is the best introduction to the project. You can follow the project through Facebook or vk.