Art Inspiring Conservation: Papahānaumokuākea gears up for Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference 2012

PMNM booth highlights artists that inspire conservation of the Monument. Credit: Toni Parras/NOAA

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Hawaii Conservation Conference, with the theme "What Difference does 20 Years Make? Reflections on Change, Innovation, and the Work that Remains." Papahānaumokuākea is exhibiting a booth at the conference with the theme of "Art Inspiring Conservation" – highlighting how imagery has helped Papahānaumokuākea reach the level of protection it holds today, and how it can be used to further awareness and conservation efforts into the future.

The exhibit features stunning displays with imagery from artists who were inspired by the beauty of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and, in turn, whose art inspired awareness of their unique natural and cultural resources, many which helped propel the protected status of the area over the years. Many of these iconic images are embedded in the public consciousness; those who know about the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands yet have never been there are likely visually referencing one or more of these images. In addition to the standing panels, the booth will feature two iPad displays with videos and slideshows of various artists.

Below is a listing of artists, photographers and filmmakers and their products that brought Papahānaumokuākea to the people as never before. We continue to use art – not limited to photography and video, but also in other forms such as painting, poetry, drama and song – to bring the message of conservation to our various audiences.

Inspire us

Share your images and artwork that you feel inspire a conservation ethic. Ideally, images should be of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, or at least the Main Hawaiian Islands or Pacific region. Send a JPEG along with your name and contact information, a description of your work, the location and date it was made to: hawaiireef@noaa.gov. Images will be properly credited and shared via social media and our website.