The Science-Art Initiative is a new public engagement project bringing Antarctic and Southern Ocean sciences to the heart of Cape Town. Two large-scale art installations will be placed on the Sea Point Promenade, one of the city’s most visited public spaces with over 1 million visitors each year.

By merging art and science, this project aims to:

• Spark curiosity about the ocean’s role in climate regulation
• Highlight South Africa’s commitment to polar research
• Make complex science accessible and memorable

Duration: Both installations will be on display for at least 2 years

Location: Sea Point Promenade, Cape Town

Art has a unique ability to:

• Engage emotion – making people pause, reflect, and connect
• Translate complexity – turning scientific research into universal stories
• Reach broad audiences – cutting across age, culture, and background

Around the world, art is increasingly recognized as a powerful partner in science communication — not just decoration, but a co-creator of knowledge.

“By combining the emotional resonance of art with the power of science, we can shift public perception, helping people understand why polar research matters.”

Theme: Phytoplankton – The Invisible Climate Heroes

The artwork aims to bring phytoplankton out of obscurity, anchoring them in public consciousness as vital agents of planetary health and climate stability.

A local artist created a large mural on one of the ablution blocks along the promenade. The design will be inspired by engagement with researchers at the Southern Ocean Carbon–Climate Observatory (SOCCO).

This mural will celebrate phytoplankton as both scientifically essential and aesthetically beautiful, bringing them into public awareness.

Theme: A Window into the Polar World

A curated outdoor exhibition showcases more than 20 striking images from South African polar researchers, including:

• Photographs of Antarctic and Southern Ocean expeditions
• Satellite imagery and data visualizations
• Microscopy images of polar ecosystems
• Creative scientific interpretations

Contributors

Images were drawn from the SANAP community — past, present, and future researchers.

Curation team: Charne Lavery, Dana Jellin, Jean Brundrit, Ria Olivier and Sandy Thomalla

This installation will give visitors a rare glimpse into remote polar environments, showing how South African research contributes to global climate knowledge.

Both installations include educational touchpoints:

• Plaques explaining the science and artistic message.
• Logos of supporting partners (DSTI, NRF, SANAP, ALSA, SUN, SOCCO, CSIR).
• QR codes linking to an online platform with expanded content, videos, and research stories.

The initiative will be delivered in collaboration with SJ Artists, led by Shani Judes, an experienced public art curator recognized by the City of Cape Town for her contribution to ocean-themed public projects such as:

• Wavescape Surf & Ocean Festival
• Sea Walls South Africa