READING will get a glimpse of an out-of-this-world artwork as part of a new installation.
The Town Hall will be home to a world-famous piece of art by Luke Jerram when his Gaia project visits this summer.
The artwork features a globe constructed with the use of high-resolution NASA imagery, totalling around seven metres in diameter.
It will also include a bespoke, surround-sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, creating an immersive experience.
Visitors will be given the opportunity to sign up to ‘small changes’ pledges which will contribute to a community of people taking small measures to effect big change.
It will form part of the town’s events for the Reading Climate Festival, which aims to inspire people to consider climate action and to take steps to reduce their impact on the environment.
The festival sees a range of in-person and online events to drive public engagement with climate issues and to raise awareness of what needs to be done to tackle the climate crisis.
Gaia has been brought to the town by Reading Borough Council, Reading Climate Change Partnership, Reading Business Improvement District, and the University of Reading.
A launch event was held at the Town Hall on Wednesday, March 23, which was attended by representatives of the council, RCCP, and Reading BID, as well as the university’s Ed Hawkins, who is behind the world-famous climate stripes.
Reading Borough Council’s lead member for climate strategy and transport, Tony Page, said: “We’re privileged and delighted to be bringing Gaia to Reading this summer.
“Gaia is an immersive experience, and the installation will be a reminder of how beautiful and fragile plant earth is.
“I hope the installation and the accompanying programme of thought-provoking activities will allow visitors to reflect and provide a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.
“I’d encourage residents to experience the installation, make their climate change commitment and play their part in building a cleaner greener town– Think Global Act Local.”
Tracey Rawling Church, co-chair of Reading Climate Change Partnership, said: “Reading Climate Festival started small in 2020 as a way of inspiring and encouraging action on climate change and has raised its ambition year by year.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that Gaia will be the centrepiece of this year’s festival and excited about the opportunities it will bring to involve more people in the conversation about the climate and biodiversity crisis and what we can do about it.”
Alexa Volker, manager of Reading’s Business Improvement District, said: “Hosting Gaia as the flagship event of this year’s Reading Climate Festival will provide a sharp reminder of the part we can all play in shaping a better future.
“Many of Reading’s businesses and communities are already active in driving a sustainable future for all who live, work and do business here, in line with Reading’s 2050 Vision for a smart and green future for the town– but Gaia will remind us we can all do more.”
She said: “Visitors to Reading will be wowed by the stunning backdrop of planet earth and we hope they also appreciate the many businesses here that are playing their part in making Reading a great, green place in which to work, live and visit.”
Professor Ed Hawkins, a climate scientist from the University of Reading, said: “With excess heat building up across the planet at a rate unprecedented in the history of humanity, we hope this artwork will inspire people to think about what we can all do to help protect the future of the planet.
“Since 2018, the warming stripes have helped to start many conversations about climate change and with Gaia arriving as part of the Climate Festival this June, the Reading community certainly won’t be short of inspiration.”
The Gaia installation will be available to see during opening hours, though booking will be necessary via: whatsonreading.com/gaia
Full details about Reading Climate Festival 2023, which will take place between Saturday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 21, are available via: readingcan.org.uk/festival/
