Carrying the Torch: The role of the visual arts in communicating scientific lessons from fire ecology

Abstract

Disruption of historic fire regimes in Southeastern Michigan is associated with a host of negative ecological effects such as reduction of landscape diversity and loss of prairie and savannah ecosystems. The return of fire to the landscape is critical to maintenance of local ecosystems, however the use of fire has coupled social and ecological dimensions that commonly predicate its application on public awareness and willingness to support prescribed fire. An interdisciplinary art-and-science exhibition about the fire ecology of Southeastern Michigan was designed and presented to a public audience in Ann Arbor, Michigan to evaluate art’s potential to communicate actionable lessons from ecology. Exhibition visitors self-selected to complete surveys assessing changes to understanding of the ecological role of fire, support for the use of prescribed fire, and concern about the negative ecological effects of fire exclusion. Fire management professionals from local, regional, and state organizations visited the exhibition and completed surveys in which they ranked the exhibition’s effectiveness as a tool for public engagement. Survey respondents identified exhibition features that were effective at informing educational or affective responses. Select follow-up interviews were conducted to further identify valuable dimensions of the exhibition that could inform recommendations for future art-science collaborations. Survey results from 100 respondents indicated overall increases in ecological understanding, support, and concern. 64.18% of respondents without pre-existing advanced knowledge reported an increase in understanding. 74.41% reported an increase in support for prescribed fire. 85.25% reported an increase in concern about the ecological effects of fire exclusion. The majority of the 21 fire management professionals surveyed (52.38%) rated the exhibition “very effective” as a tool for public engagement. Survey and interview responses indicated that the inclusion of a narrative children’s book and a diverse array of visual media were most effective at conveying information and affecting emotional engagement. Findings support the potential of the arts for effective communication of critical ecological and scientific information to a public audience.