It’s World Oceans Day on June 8 – a time to reflect on and celebrate the waters that make up around 70% of the Earth’s surface.
From the icy Antarctic to the relatively balmy Indian Ocean, the National Maritime Museum is exploring the past, present and future of our blue planet, with a full day’s programme of events on Saturday June 10, featuring live performances, talks, scientific demonstrations, games and more.
“The National Maritime Museum is ideally suited to host World Oceans Day due to its collections, expertise and proximity to the River Thames – our gateway to the sea,” says Laura Boon, Lloyd’s Register Foundation Senior Curator of Contemporary Maritime.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover more about the ocean and the challenges it currently faces due to human activity.”
If that all sounds a bit serious though, don’t worry: the purpose of the day is to make learning about our oceans fun.
“Primarily this is a celebration,” continues Laura. “We hope that visitors find out more about the ocean, from the importance of coral reefs to cutting edge science being done by the British Antarctic Survey.
“We hope that visitors are inspired to become ocean citizens and continue to learn more about the ocean and the positive impacts they can have as an individual.”
With this in mind, here are the highlights to look out for within the National Maritime Museum’s 2023 World Oceans Day programme…
Live performances
At the heart of the museum, the Great Map, a series of performances will mark the occasion.
Look out for new work from contemporary dance company Fiji, transporting viewers to the Pacific island through ancient stories and traditions; set sail with ShayShay, Sophie Brian and Mahatma Khandi as they embark on a watery treasure hunt; immerse your ears in the sounds of the Caribbean as steel band the Metronomes Steel Orchestra performs spirit-raising arrangements; and don’t miss an authentic showcase of Cook Island, Hula and Tahitian dances from the Beats of Polynesia.
Meet polar scientists
Wonder what life’s life living under extreme weather conditions without your usual home comforts?
Stop and ask scientists from the British Antarctic Survey who will also be on site.
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They’ll be hosting a series of hands-on activities, plus showing off some samples brought back from the poles, and allowing visitors to try on their polar clothing or peer inside their Antarctic ration boxes.
Family fun
Got some little ones in tow?
There will be sea-themed games and workshops all over the museum, including the chance to get their face painted like a scaly fish, meet some merfolk or even square up to the sea god Neptune.
If yours are into their arts and crafts, enrol them in a printmaking workshop led by art-focused environmental group Ocean Rebellion.
Get arty in the coral corner
Did you know the National Maritime Museum is growing a crochet coral reef?
Lend them a hand to make it even bigger (no need to have any crocheting experience!) or work with science animator Hannah Whitman to create some 3D coral species using washed-up ocean plastics.
Immerse yourself in the ocean
Don a virtual reality headset and dive under the sea for a chance to experience life beneath the waves without returning with a soggy wetsuit.
Talks
In the lecture theatre, you can listen in on talks by marine scientists about deep sea creatures and underwater robots.
Meanwhile outside the gallery, artists Fiona Compton (pictured) and Nicola Green will be discussing their pop-up, art-led globes, dubbed The World Reimagined, with artistic director Ashley Shaw Scott Adjaye.
Art for climate
Workshops inspired by the work of climate activities will be running throughout the day, and visitors will also have the chance to take a tour of the museum’s ongoing exhibition ‘Our Connection to Water’, led by its curators The Collective Makers.
Elsewhere, visitors of all ages can help the museum’s artist-in-residence Nicole Mollett create a never-ending drawing of a wave.
National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, London SE10 9NF.
June 10, 10am – 5pm.
Admission: FREE.
www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/world-oceans-day
