Presented in conjunction with Ghost Nets: Awakening the Drifting Giants exhibition opening, this panel discussion explores environmental issues surrounding ocean life and how artistic practice can be an effective approach to raise public awareness of the issue.

The panel starts with a presentation by each speaker, elaborating on their role in engaging with the environmental and social discourse of plastic waste in the ocean — among which, is the ‘ghost nets’. ‘Ghost nets’ are the discarded fishing nets of trawlers, boats, and illegal fishing practices. These discarded and loose nets can drift through the oceans for years, entangling sea animals and threatening the marine life ecosystem, food sustainability and culture of coastal-based communities in our global region.

The second part of the discussion serves as a sharing platform involving practitioners from Indonesia and Australia to discuss various efforts in ocean conservation — from beach cleaning to community-based artistic approach practiced by Erub Arts.

This exhibition is organised by the Australian Embassy in Indonesia in partnership with Museum MACAN.

Saturday, 20 May 2023 at 03.00–04.30 PM

FREE and open for public. At the Museum and livestreaming through Museum MACAN's YouTube channel. This discussion will be delivered in English.

Jimmy John Thaiday & Lavinia Ketchell 
Artists, Erub Arts 

Swietenia Puspa Lestari
Executive Director, Divers Clean Action 

Shana Fatina
Founder, Komodo Water