Foram / Forum invites the public to engage with research and artworks from the iCRAG Celtic Explorer arctic cruise, through the eyes and work of neurodivergent artist AlanJames Burns. The event will see visual artwork presented at our accessible and public transport-served partner venue the National Maritime Museum of Ireland. The artwork is accompanied by an installation where Foram shells can be examined by audiences, a public talk event, and an online programme.

This artistic engagement programme will engage audiences with our changing climate and biodiversity crises through the eyes of Planktonic Foraminifera (Forams): tiny marine organisms with hard shells that stay well-preserved in the ocean floor after they die. Through experiential artworks, audiences will discover how the study of Forams and how their calcium carbonate shells have resiliently adapted to changing climates throughout history gives us incredible insight for understanding how our now rapidly changing climate can impact ocean life in the future.