Using art to raise awareness

African bead lion

I've always loved tribal sculpture, it's one of those things you always encounter in Africa, and it's becoming more popular in the typical zoo gift shop. Intricate wooden carvings of animals are becoming more and more commonplace as people want an authentic piece of Africa to take home with them, not only that but there is a lot of ethical reasoning behind wanting something that was been made in Africa, or indeed other parts of the world. I have come across many small trinkets in zoo shops that originate from all over the world, including South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. 

Peruvian knitted sheep

You can buy tribal design boomerangs and drums from Australia, alpaca wool clothing from alpacas in Peru, bead animals from Africa, sculptures made from recycled tin cans from Africa, the list is endless. Many of these items are just a bit of fun, something that has been spotted and brought back because it's something a little "different", but slowly more items are becoming available that support conservation projects, or give an income to those who would otherwise struggle. Even thousands of miles away people are buying these items that mean that little bit more.  

Snare art African Hunting Dog

There's a project in Zimbabwe where rangers collect snares placed by poachers and give them to art projects who turn them into sculpture. In turn these are sold to raise money for projects in the reserve and to help those living there. The sculptures are very unique and very effective, the full story can be found here.

Using art as a means of raising awareness and money is something that intrigues me. I think that art can reach out to many people, and is a brilliant way of involving all ages and getting a message across. Be it educating children about the variety of animals in the world, to looking at the history of art in tribal or traditional communities.

There is an Arts Award run by Trinity London (link here) that supports young people to "develop as artists and arts leaders." It's something open to everyone 7-25yrs and can follow any direction the participant wants.  What better way to enjoy your local zoo and get more out of it with children and young adults? There is so much a zoo can offer to be involved in art projects and if it gets the younger generations interested in conservation and animals even better! Projects could look at animals in art across the globe, animals in modern art such as animation, conservation art like the snare sculptures, even just looking at life drawing from the animals themselves. The list is endless.