highlighting globally recognised science research into food waste sustainability by csiro in partnership with local government initiative for street art project
Research into the impact of disposable coffee cups revealed that Australians discard 2.7 million single-use cups daily, making them a significant contributor to litter. Given the mural's location in a vibrant Canberra suburb known for its café culture, it was essential to reflect the community’s sustainability practices. Conversations with local business owners, including a café donating food waste for composting, inspired the inclusion of a reusable coffee cup and the idea of recycling as central themes.
The mural integrates symbols of growth and sustainability, with mushrooms representing recycling, inspired by fungi research from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The words “Inspire Growth” carry a dual meaning, reflecting both spiritual growth through sustainable practices and the physical growth of food production. The adapted KeepCup logo with the phrase “Keep Up” adds a playful challenge, prompting viewers to consider their own role in fostering growth and sustainability.
Project documented by Australian National University’s Centre for the Public Awareness of Science resulting in co-authored paper published in Jcom international science journal and mini documentary focus screened at National Film & Sound Archive
Team: Lead Artist Bohie Blackwood in research partnership with NoWaste sustainability initiative ACT Government, Mural Assistant Fran Ifould, Project Facilitation Phibbs, Videography Australian NAtional University Centre for Public Awareness of Science
Year
2022
Client
ACT Government
"Rather than making viewers feel bad about their waste, Inspire Growth uses humour and witty juxtapositions to convey its environmental message, helping to overcome the anxiety and apathy that the current issue-based approach to climate storytelling creates.
BOHIE’s public art embodies environmental meaning-making through emotive visual storytelling.
Her murals are not just in the public, but for the public."
— Excerpt from Street Art as a Vehicle for Environmental Science Communication science paper by the Centre of the Public Awareness of Science at the Australian National University
