To advance the public’s understanding of the changes and challenges to the Missouri River and other Midwest lakes and rivers, we partnered with the Bemis Center to curate “From the Great Lakes to the Great Plains: The Visible Currents of Climate Change”.
This immersive, multimedia exhibition brought together twenty-one artists. Their work examined the environmental, cultural, political and climate related impacts on the Missouri River and other Midwest water resources. In addition to this three-month exhibit, the program included a series of seminars and special activities.
The Great Plains’ rivers and lakes play a critical and complicated role in sustaining life, shaping communities, and fueling both industry and ecological degradation. Participating artists engaged with these tensions. They explored how water is revered, exploited, protected, and, in some cases, stolen. The exhibit spanned media and perspectives, with artists drawing from disciplines including ecology, activism, technology, history and documentary practices.
This three-month exhibition, all seminars and special activities were open to the public.
Project Partners: Bemis Center, Claire M. Hubbard Foundation, Douglas County, Nebraska Arts Council, Hitchcock Foundation, Conagra Brands, the Luminarium, UNMC Water Climate & Health Program, Flatwater Free Press, Omaha Symphony, Lewis/Clark National Historic Trail.
Estimated Financial Support: Back to the River Contribution – $10,000
Estimated Total Project Cost: $132,000
Year: 2025
