Fostering Empathy between People and Coastal Birds through Performative Practice
CoastARTS Norway
CoastARTS Norway focuses on eco-cultural crises along the west coast of Sábme, the Lule Sami language term for traditional Indigenous territories in northern Norway. Here, bird populations are declining due to salmon farming, energy production, tourism, climate change and avian flu.
The project draws on posthuman and new materialist theories to investigate human–bird relationships and their role in shaping environmental heritage and eco-cultural identity.
A key project element is site-specific creative research involving collaborations with local communities, artists, schools and experts between Trondheim (Tråante in Southern Sami language) and Bodø (Bådåddjo in Lule Sami).
We aim to foster interspecies solidarity and environmental awareness as part of ecocultural identity. Emphasizing emotional and embodied connections between humans and birds, the project uses discursive and artistic methods anchored in material practice to engage local coastal people in critical reflection on ecological challenges.
Ultimately, this practice-led research seeks to inspire dialogue, encourage environmental stewardship and support the resilience of both coastal communities and avian life amidst growing environmental pressures.
Research team
- Heli Aaltonen, Associate Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Lead)
- Pauliina Maapalo, Assistant Professor of Arts and Crafts, Nord University
- William Dwyer III, Trondheim International School
- Elisabeth Ulsund, Steiner School Rotvoll, Trondheim
- Wenche D Tingstad and Irini Kyrifidis Johnsen, Leangen kulturbarnehage, Trondheim
- Jarle Skaug, Nesna Barnehage
- Anne Lise Wie, Teaterzahl, Nesna
- Anne Meek, Kultur og teaterverkstedet Fyret, Norway
- Eline Meek Allern, Herøy bygdesamling, Helgeland museum, Herøy
- Bjørn Åge Remman, Herøy school, Herøy
Updates from the subproject
Videos
Hvem er lundefuglen?
In Hvem er lundefuglen? (Who Is the Puffin?), narrator Georgiana Keable imagines what puffins may be telling us about coastal environments under threat of ecological change.
Videos
Nesna Kulturskole: Sjøfuglsang
Søfugelsang (Seabird Song) is inspired by threats to the Great Cormorant and other seabirds of the Norwegian coast due to habitat destruction from industrial development.
Podcasts
Changing our Minds and Hearts through Arts-based Activism
The art of theater dates back to ancient times. We play out stories in order to express and explore our viewpoints, our feelings, our fears, and how we understand the world and perceive its beauty. Performance and theater engage us on a visceral, emotional level, opening us up to the immediacy of the experience while speaking directly to our emotional selves.
Videos
Nesna Kulturskole: Måkesang
Måkesang (Seagull Song) is a short musical tribute to seagulls of the Norwegian coast.
Blog posts
A Week in the World of Seagulls and Kindergarten Children
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Blog posts
CoastARTS Norway Celebrates Seabirds
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