Expo City Dubai – Terra Auditorium
October 27, 2023

At Expo City Dubai, I had the privilege of moderating the panel discussion following the documentary screening of "Beyond Silence -22.7°C", a film capturing Molecule’s journey to Greenland, where he composed an electronic album using the raw sounds of the Arctic landscape. This event brought together artists, scientists, designers, and sustainability experts to explore how art serves as a catalyst for climate awareness and action.

Panelists:

• Romain De La Haye-Serafini (Molecule) – Electronic music artist, pioneering site-specific soundscapes in extreme environments.

• Dr. Fatin Samara – Environmental scientist, co-chair of the UAE Climate Change Research Network.

• Jumaanah Alhashemi – Transdisciplinary artist and designer exploring the intersection of materiality, sustainability, and digital technology.

• Mai Shalabi – Sustainability manager, Expo City Dubai, specializing in education and environmental initiatives.

• Lisa Ball-Lechgar – Deputy Director of Tashkeel, an incubator for UAE artists and designers integrating sustainability into creative practices.

Key Discussion Points:

1. The Intersection of Art and Climate Science

• How scientists and artists can collaborate to translate complex climate data into emotionally engaging narratives.

• The role of sound and music in evoking environmental consciousness, as seen in Molecule’s Arctic compositions.

2. Art as an Immersive Catalyst for Climate Action

• How artists and designers use immersive installations, sonic landscapes, and visual storytelling to provoke thought and inspire activism.

• The potential for public art and exhibitions to engage communities in sustainability conversations.

3. Sustainable Design & Urban Innovation

• How sustainability principles can be embedded in architecture, design, and material choices for climate-conscious cultural initiatives.

• Case studies on eco-friendly exhibition practices and circular design models.

4. Inspiring Climate Action Through Creative Synergy

• Practical steps for artists, scientists, and policymakers to foster interdisciplinary solutions.

• How cultural institutions can lead in promoting sustainability through educational programming and policy influence.

My Role as Moderator

As moderator, I steered the conversation to highlight the synergy between art, science, and climate activism, drawing on my experience in cultural strategy, curatorial practice, and environmental policy. I ensured that discussions translated into tangible ideas for public engagement and climate storytelling, emphasizing the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Impact & Takeaways

The session reinforced that art is more than a reflection of climate issues—it is a transformative tool for awareness and action. By integrating soundscapes, visual storytelling, and sustainable design, creative practitioners can bridge the gap between data and human emotion, driving deeper public engagement with climate discourse.

📍 Location: Terra Auditorium, Expo City Dubai
🎤 Moderator: Ahmed Al Enezi
🎙 Panelists: Molecule, Dr. Fatin Samara, Jumaanah Alhashemi, Mai Shalabi, Lisa Ball-Lechgar