Treaty obligations: science and art in Antarctica

• Main Author: Pearson, Mike
• Format: Book Part
• Language: unknown
• Published: Manchester University Press 2017
• Subjects: Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.7228/manchester/9781784994396.003.0012

In this chapter Mike Pearson takes us to Antarctica. This continent is a vital record of past climate patterns, and our future depends on the fate of its covering of ice. Pearson considers how international treaties have imposed strict environmental controls on what is permissible on the continent, and discusses its unique status as an area where military activity is banned. These controls cover the scientists who are stationed there and the relatively small number of visitors that will arrive in cruise ships. He notes that science holds an unchallenged hegemonic position and that the Treaty makes no acknowledgement of the arts and that the advent of tourism was unforeseen. In this context, he considers how more recent programmes have aimed to promote understanding and appreciation of the values of Antarctica through the contribution of writers, artists and musicians. He considers how such initiatives as the Antarctica Pavilion at the 56 th Venice Art Biennale have challenged the scientific domination of the continent by claiming Antarctica as a cultural space.