About this event:
On June 10th, 2023, the National Maritime Museum will host a free festival to celebrate World Oceans Day. The purpose of the event is to bring attention to the crucial role that the ocean plays in sustaining life on our planet and to highlight the environmental issues that it currently faces.
The day is aimed at all ages and includes various activities such as live performances, expert talks, craft workshops, and demonstrations. By working with scientific organisations, conservation charities, artist collectives, and community groups, the event promises to provide families with an enriching experience that educates them about contemporary maritime and environmental challenges.
The ocean is a vital human resource, providing food, transportation, coastal defence, and numerous other benefits. It covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface. However, it is essential to recognise the harm caused by human activities such as over-fishing, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, ocean mining, and plastic waste. These activities threaten marine environments worldwide, including rivers, lakes, and seas.
Highlights include:
Performances on The Great Map: Experience the transformation of The Great Map at the National Maritime Museum into a vibrant performance space. Enjoy live music, theatrical performances, and a unique showcase by VOU, Fiji’s leading dance company. This performance will transport you to the Pacific, offering a glimpse into Fiji’s ancient stories, traditions, and culture.
Baton Workshop: Participate in an engaging workshop inspired by artist Tania Kovats’ Relay4Nature baton. Write a promise to the ocean on a baton and pass it on to the next participant, reinforcing the collective responsibility of caring for our precious marine ecosystems.
Meet a Polar Scientist: Engage with scientists and researchers from the British Antarctic Survey as they share fascinating insights into their research. Get close to underwater robots, explore a polar field camp, and learn about the remarkable world of krill, little-known creatures vital to the polar ecosystem.
Coral Corner: Join a community group and enthusiastic volunteers in building a crochet coral reef. Beginners and experienced crafters can contribute by creating coral pieces using crochet techniques. Science animator Hannah Whitman will be present to draw various coral species and assemble stunning 3D creations using washed-up ocean plastics. The diversity of the reef will reflect its health, emphasising the importance of preserving coral ecosystems.
Objects in Focus: Discover hidden treasures from the museum’s vast collection with exclusive tours led by Royal Museums Greenwich curators. Explore the storerooms and gain insights into maritime history. Don’t miss the curator tour of the Queen’s House exhibition, “The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea,” which explores the impact of renowned marine painters on British visual culture.
Expert Talks: Delve into the fascinating world of ocean science through a series of talks by marine scientists. Listen to experts from organisations such as the Manta Trust and British Antarctic Survey as they share their knowledge and discoveries, providing valuable insights into the wonders of the underwater realm.
Merfolk Face Painting: Witness the artistry of Anna Kompaniets and her magical merfolk wearing intricate outfits made from recycled materials. Let yourself transform with ocean-inspired face designs, including scales, coral, or playful fish. Watch for Neptune, the family-friendly character representing the God of the Sea.
Virtual Reality and the Ocean: Embark on a virtual underwater adventure without getting your feet wet. Experience the ocean through various virtual reality experiences using Oculus Quest or your smartphone. Dive into the mesmerising depths and explore marine ecosystems from the comfort of the Voyagers Gallery.
Metronomes Steel Orchestra: Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Caribbean with live performances by the Metronomes Steel Orchestra. Let the rhythmic beats of the 10-strong steel band transport you to tropical shores and evoke the sea’s pull.
Nicola Green Talk and Maquette Display: Attend a talk by artist Nicola Green, known for her participation in The World Reimagined project. Discover the connection between racial injustice and the climate crisis through her creation, “The World in a Water Lily, Amazonica.” The maquette of her globe artwork will be on display, showcasing the strong link between social issues and the environment.
Beyond World Oceans Day
Poles Apart: Explore the newest gallery at the National Maritime Museum, which focuses on the RRS Sir David Attenborough and the crew’s experiences during polar science research. Discover the vital role of the autonomous underwater vehicle Boaty McBoatface in advancing our understanding of polar regions.
Our Connection to Water: Visit the New Insights Gallery at the National Maritime Museum to experience the exhibition “Our Connection to Water.” This thought-provoking display brings together seven artists who explore our human connection to water through various mediums, including photography, audio, film, illustration, and installations. Gain insights into water’s social, cultural, environmental, emotional, and spiritual impact on communities.
The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea: Don’t miss the exhibition at the Queen’s House, dedicated to Willem van de Velde the Elder and Willem van de Velde the Younger, prominent marine painters of the seventeenth century. Discover how their legacy as émigré artists transformed British visual culture and influenced generations of artists, including J.M.W. Turner.
World Oceans Day at the National Maritime Museum promises to explore, educate, and celebrate our oceanic treasures. By participating in the festival’s diverse activities, visitors of all ages can deepen their understanding of our oceans’ challenges and learn about concrete steps they can take to protect marine environments. RMG’s collaboration with scientific organisations, conservation charities, artist collectives, and community groups ensures a comprehensive and engaging experience for all attendees.
Join the festival on June 10th 2023, at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich and let the ocean’s wonders come into focus, inspiring a commitment to safeguarding our Blue Planet.
For more information about World Oceans Day and the festival’s schedule, please visit the official website: www.rmg.co.uk/worldoceansday