Integrating science and art to improve water resources education for the
general public
Abstract
Water resources decisions are often presented as bonds for public vote,
but water resources management is an esoteric topic for which improved
public understanding is crucial. An art-science museum exhibit was
developed to visualize aquatic habitats and species, communicate
management tools, tradeoffs, and alternatives that guide water resources
decision-making, and empower the public to make informed decision about
water resources. Drone-based river habitat data was collected to
identify vegetation, measure water surface temperature, represent
topography, and show visible light. An artist composited all data into
single large-format images to visualize river habitat. Another artist
painted native fish, including Bonneville Cutthroat Trout and Bluehead
Sucker that are managed for conservation, to capture the transcendent
experience of encountering wild fish. 3D maps with video projections
told stories of past water development choices, those we face in the
future, and described water management models to balance river
preservation with human water supply. Visitor surveys were conducted
with willing participants to understand how art affected their
experience and behavior. Preliminary results suggested that 41% of
visitors thought integrating art and science greatly added to the
exhibit experience, 22% thought art helped them to understand water
management problems and opportunities, and 26% responded that art drew
them into the exhibit. After visiting the exhibit, 15% of respondents
said they were likely to write letters to government officials about
water concerns, 25% said they were likely to attend a public meeting,
50% said they were likely to watch a presentation with proposed actions
about water management, 59% said they were likely to talk to friends
and family about water resources, and 62% said they were likely to
visit a local river. This exhibit is estimated to reach about 130,000
visitors, despite capacity restrictions due to COVID-19 social
distancing.