Arctic Centre communicates climate research with art

In the exhibition “Broken Greenhouse – Embodied Climate Futures”, the greenhouse takes a central role as visitors are invited on an immersive journey through the garden and into the future. Based on UN’s Shared Socioeconomic Pathways for the year 2100, five sculptural greenhouses are presented. These greenhouses also represent five potential pathways for visitors to explore—from the “green way” to the “highway” — offering a chance to reflect on the challenges posed by these possible futures.

Arctic Forum 2023 inspires the opening concept

One of the greenhouses at the exhibition.

Image Keith Larson

During the opening weekend, May 23–25, artists, researchers, and students will take part in interactive guided tours where the aim is to use art as a catalyst for dialogue and discussion about climate change and the future. The concept draws strong inspiration from the event Arctic Forum 2023, which was held alongside the exhibition “Down North” at Bildmuseet in Umeå. On the theme “Our Place, Our Future”, art laid the foundation for dialogue between researchers and other participants. The same model will be adapted on the guided tours in the Botanic Garden in Lund.

Västerbotten Takes Over Next Year

The exhibition in Lund is the first of three parts and will be open until 20 September 2025. In the summer of 2026, it will be shown in Skellefteå during Society Expo, a global event focused on sustainable solutions and social inclusion, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation on an international scale. In addition to the five greenhouses, Bigert & Bergström will also present “Wasteland Climate Action Park”, a park that combines art, architecture, design, industry, climate research, and technology to address climate change and urban transformation.

That same summer, Umeå will host the fourth edition of Arctic Arts Summit, an international cultural conference with an Indigenous perspective, focusing on the role of art and culture in sustainable development in the Arctic. This conference is led by the Sámi Culture Network Viermie-K in collaboration with, among others, Umeå municipality, Statens kulturråd, Västerbotten Region and Umeå University.

The third and final part of the exhibition will then be held in Stockholm, in collaboration with Accelerator Art Gallery, the Bergius Botanic Garden, and Stockholm University.