The Art of
Planetary Health
Art, Science, and Applied Creative Practice
The Painted River Project (PRP) is an interdisciplinary initiative blending art, science, and cultural practices to foster community engagement and eco-literacy.
It has played a pivotal role in developing the SEED methodology by creating opportunities for diverse community members to share knowledge and build understanding about our relationship with the natural world (Robba and Wright, 2019).
The PRP aims to nurture transformative thinking and collective action around healthy waterways and river systems. Each iteration of the PRP is tailored to different communities, addressing site-specific issues related to water health and surrounding ecology.
Reg Mombassa at the Rare Upland Swamps (Blue Mountains)
Enhancing eco-literacy, activating community discussions to the benefits of healthy ecosystems.
The Painted River Project exemplifies how art, science, and community engagement can come together to address critical environmental issues.
By fostering a deeper understanding of our relationship with nature and promoting collective action, the PRP contributes to the ongoing effort to protect and sustain healthy ecosystems.
Tailored to different communities, each iteration addresses site-specific issues related to water health and surrounding ecology, by engaging diverse community members to support healthy waterways:
- Participatory Public Painting Events: Combine art and science to explore water health and ecology.
- Art-Science Workshops: Blend art and science for students on water health and security.
- Field Study Programs: Artists and scientists collaborate on water issues, leading to public exhibitions.
- Community Engagement Events: Talks and lectures on water-based environmental topics.
Research in freshwater ecology, water chemistry, and pollution management.
Between 2020 and 2023, the PRP focused on the upland swamps of the Blue Mountains.
These endangered wetlands, suffering from pollution, urban development, and climate change, provide a stark example of how human activity impacts fragile ecosystems. The PRP’s sustained engagement has raised awareness about the vulnerability of these swamps and informed broader discussions on their protection.