Visualizing Air through Art to Raise Public Awareness on Air Pollution

CAN is pleased to be invited by the British Council to participate in the art project SPARK 2024. In collaboration with the artistic team “Interactive Filmmaking Lab”, we showcased the video installation “This Place Has Its Own Air” on 18-20 October at AIRSIDE, Kai Tak, aiming to enhance public awareness of air pollution through extended activities.

The Interactive Filmmaking Lab®, in partnership with CAN, presents “This Place Has Its Own Air”, a data-driven video installation created by Dr. Polina Zioga and Dr. Catherine M. Weir, this installation visualizes hourly pollutant readings, making the invisible visible.

We have been committed to promoting clean air education. On the first day of the event, we were delighted to host 35 primary 4 student reporters from Pui Ching Primary School. We also welcomed Susannah Morley, Director of the British Council; Kyle Chung, Head of Arts at the British Council; Dr. Polina Zioga, the artist creating “This Place Has Its Own Air” ; and our CEO Patrick Fung, for interviews. The discussions centered around the impact of air pollution on health, the current state of air quality in Hong Kong, the inspiration and creative process behind the video installation, as well as the concepts and activities of the SPARK project. We hope that through the students’ engagement with various stakeholders, we can deepen their understanding of air pollution and explore the feasibility of enhancing public awareness of environmental protection. Following the interviews, the reporters toured the video installation located on the ground floor of AIRSIDE and the main activity venue in the Atrium, summarizing their day’s coverage.

On the second day, the SPARK Talk titled “Breathing Cities: Air, Art, and Architecture” featured a cross-disciplinary dialogue with the artists of “This Place Has Its Own Air” Dr. Polina Zioga, Dr. Catherine M. Weir, and architect Dr. Tony Ip, moderated by Patrick Fung. Dr. Zioga discussed the origins and vision of the video installation, highlighting its ability to visualize air quality data, which encourages the public to reflect on local air pollution and potential improvements. Dr. Weir added that presenting real-time data helps the audience connect with their environment. Dr. Ip also explained the concept of green buildings and their significance in maintaining air quality. When discussing environmental education for the next generation, he emphasized the importance of children’s connection to nature in fostering spontaneous environmental protection actions.

SPARK 2024 “This Place Has Its Own Air” Video Installation
Date: 18-20 October 2024 (Friday-Sunday)
Venue: AIRSIDE G/F LED Arch, Kai Tak

SPARK Talk “Breathing Cities: Air, Art, and Architecture”
Date: 19 October 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 17:30-18:30
Venue: AIRSIDE 2/F Atrium, Kai Tak

About SPARK 2024: https://www.britishcouncil.hk/en/programmes/spark-2024