PlantLab was a unique and innovative project that served as a creative hub, installation, and post-COVID CBD regeneration initiative. The project was created through online content and a physical experience at a (formerly empty) retail shop in the Strand Arcade, Whangarei, NZ. During the project, a diverse group of artist-scientists, cultural creatives, and creative technologists collaborated for several months, dedicating their time to celebrating the wonders of plants.
They created incredible works of art using cutting-edge science and technology, such as 3D prints made from biodata derived from proteins, memories transformed into soap and then turned into glitch art, poetry generated from randomly sampled plant-based texts, and glowing algae swarms printed on fabric.
PlantLab was more than just a celebration of art and innovation. It was also a platform for showcasing work in progress, skill development, and employment opportunities for cross-disciplinary creatives in Te Tai Tokerau. During its short run, PlantLab hosted demos, residencies, trans-Tasman collaborations, symposiums and generated online workshops and interviews.
The project spread the word that incredible things were happening in the arts scene in Northland, and emphasised the importance of plants and place-based practice and research.
In essence, PlantLab encouraged us to think beyond the confines of traditional art practices and explore the exciting possibilities that arise when we bring together science, art, and technology. It reminded us that the process of creative practice is just as necessary as the final output and that the place in between practices is where good things grow. By championing cross-disciplinary collaboration and emphasising the critical role of place-based research in shaping our future on this planet, PlantLab inspired us to look at the world in a whole new way.
Dr Maggie Buxton: “Plants are core to the spirit of place and people – and that is one of the key messages of PlantLab. Other messages include letting people know that cool things are happening in Whangarei – it’s filled with possibilities. And there is more to creativity than what you think – especially when you step outside the traditional boundaries of creative practice.”
In the lab, were several works in progress – supporting creatives to research and experiment, not just produce outputs.
Works included 3D projection mapping and printing of plant proteins, experiments with bio-inks, explorations of poetic narratives, play with plant sensors and music generators, and installations that transition between digital and physical realities (including soap and digital art).
A wide range of visitors learned from resident PlantLab creatives (including technologists and scientists) who collaborated in real-time to learn new skills, develop their business, create prototypes and work on artworks for future exhibitions.
Those who could not make the physical installation could view content PlantLab posts and videos in our online Lab as well as on social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram. The content includes interviews, talks and demos by local and international participating and supporting cross-disciplinary creatives, including a mini-symposium that took place during Tech Week in May 2022.
PlantLab Practitioners
A cross-section of Northland practitioners is participating in the lab. For more about the research group and their interests, take a look here or watch interviews and workshops as they are loaded online in our online Lab.
PlantLab was conceived, curated and produced by Dr Maggie Buxton (Director of AwhiWorld).
The project follows in the footsteps of a series of other regenerative place-based AwhiWorld co-productions in the last five years: StrandLab (a collaboration with NorthChamber), FringeLab (a collaboration with Whangarei Fringe) and JobLab (co-produced with SnapEvents | MOE and NorthChamber).
All these events are designed to activate cross-boundary practice, raise awareness of the cool things happening in creative technology and interarts in Northland, stimulate de-activated locations in Whangarei District and build innovative capacity in the local creative economy.
PlantLab was an innovative project that led to a wide range of positive outcomes for those directly involved and the many creatives and plant enthusiasts who visited.
PlantLab was kindly funded by Manatū Taonga | Ministry of Culture and Heritage‘s Arts and Culture Events Support Scheme. We are grateful for this funding that innovatively supports creatives, creative businesses and the spirit of the CBD as Te Tai Tokerau continues to recover from the impact of the global pandemic.
