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Using Light as a Medium to Convey Its Dark Side—A Light Festival Case Study

Author

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  • Klaasz Breukel

    (Digital Arts & Media, Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson 7010, New Zealand)

  • Ellen Cieraad

    (Research & Innovation, Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson 7010, New Zealand)

Abstract

The pervasive use of anthropogenic light at night has significantly increased the brightness of the night sky, which negatively affects human wellbeing, the ecology of plants and animals, night sky aesthetics, and astronomical observations. However, public awareness of light pollution remains limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an ‘eco-art installation’ in raising awareness about the impacts of anthropogenic light at night (ALAN). The installation, ‘Scope’, used light as a medium to convey the adverse effects of anthropogenic light at the Te Ramaroa festival in Nelson, New Zealand, which is held to celebrate light in the depths of winter. An online survey assessed the awareness of Nelson region residents, comparing responses between those who experienced the installation and those who did not, and assessing the self-reported knowledge increase after engagement with the installation. The findings indicated that eco-art installations can significantly enhance the public’s understanding of ALAN’s environmental and health impacts. The installation successfully increased self-reported specific knowledge about ALAN, with 92% of visitors reporting learning something new; however, overarching knowledge and levels of concern were largely similar between the groups. Emotional engagement was high, with 62% of viewers stating that the installation invoked an emotional response. While the study did not measure beha-vioural changes, 94% of festival participants found it at least ‘somewhat appropriate’ and 64% found it ‘very’ or ‘entirely appropriate’ to raise awareness of these issues at such events, suggesting a potential foundation for future action. This research underscores the promise of art–science collaborations in environmental education and public engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Klaasz Breukel & Ellen Cieraad, 2024. "Using Light as a Medium to Convey Its Dark Side—A Light Festival Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-11, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:6941-:d:1455474
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karolina M. Zielinska-Dabkowska & Kyra Xavia, 2021. "Looking Up to the Stars. A Call for Action to Save New Zealand’s Dark Skies for Future Generations to Come," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-19, December.
    2. Nona Schulte-Römer & Josiane Meier & Etta Dannemann & Max Söding, 2019. "Lighting Professionals versus Light Pollution Experts? Investigating Views on an Emerging Environmental Concern," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-20, March.
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