A public exhibit and event series taking attendees on a journey through the icy heartbeat of our planet
With its intricate and vibrant web of marine life, Antarctica is unlike any other place on the planet.
Stretching out over millions of square miles, the Southern Ocean surrounds the land and is home to more than 8,200 different species, each of which is a natural wonder in its own right.
But while Antarctica is incredibly grand and remote, it is also fragile. The ecosystems in this polar region hang in a delicate balance, affected by human actions — and inactions — taking place thousands of miles away.
Hosted by Only One and SeaLegacy at NeueHouse in New York during the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week NYC in 2021, this public exhibit and event series invited attendees to dive into the brilliant beauty of Antarctica and the critical importance of this icy continent, and then to join the global campaign to protect its waters, for the future of all people and the planet.
The Exhibit
In collaboration with an innovative experiential design studio, the team at Only One and SeaLegacy developed a modular framework made of eco-friendly materials, which could be displayed at the launch in New York as well as in the future as a traveling activation in different locations around the world. The columns, walls, and open space of the venue were filled with sweeping visuals of the critical ecosystems in Antarctica and deep dives into the global campaign to protect them.
The columns, walls, and open space of the venue were filled with sweeping visuals of the critical ecosystems in Antarctica and deep dives into the global campaign to protect them.
Photography by Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, John Weller, and Andy Mann brought people face to face with remarkable wildlife both on the Antarctic landmass and in the surrounding Southern Ocean, from adaptable penguins to powerful leopard seals.
At the premiere event and smaller breakfast gatherings, attendees enjoyed previews of the exhibit along with select remarks from Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, and guests.
The Campaign
Protecting Antarctica and Creating the Greatest Sanctuary on Earth
The photography exhibit was designed to advance the global campaign to protect Antarctica and the waters around it. These vital ecosystems regulate our climate and feed the fish that feed the world, but they are being threatened by warming temperatures and melting ice.
What happens on and around this remote continent will impact communities around the world, especially those already disproportionately suffering from the devastating consequences of climate change and rising sea levels, such as coastal communities and small island nations.
Continued inaction is not an option
The member nations of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) are considering the designation of three new marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean. The East Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula, and Weddell Sea MPAs would provide crucial relief and resiliency for marine life. They would cover approximately four million square kilometers and protect almost 1 percent of the global ocean, becoming the largest act of ocean protection in history.
Join more than 1.5 million supporters in the global campaign to protect Antarctica.
Thank you to our generous sponsors and campaign partners who made the exhibit possible.
For more information or if you are interested in hosting the exhibit in your city, please contact [email protected].