Yorkshire Life Aquatic: The Human Aquarium Exhibition

If you’ve taken an interest in Blue Planet and Blackfish and are concerned about animals in captivity, as well as those being made to share their natural habitat with single-use plastics, then this free exhibition is for you.

It premieres on 15 February in Leeds, looking at the world through the eyes of sea mammals.  Instead of the mammals themselves, there’ll be mer-folk who will help you explore the world of aquariums.  The exhibition will also ask why we should care about the impact of plastics on mammals in their homes – the seas and oceans.

How many of us consider where our plastic bottles end up, or what it really means when we buy a ticket to a marine show or park?

The Human Aquarium is not only free but it is also family-friendly and interactive, with volunteers who will engage visitors, providing opportunities to learn about sustainable options and providing the opportunity to join in discussions about ethical choices.

The exhibition is being held at St John’s Shopping Centre, Leeds City Centre from 15 – 28 February, where the Human Aquarium team will occupy a space in which they have replicated an aquarium.  Thought-provoking photography, artwork, installations and films, alongside interactive work, have been developed by local artists.  The general public will also have the opportunity to add to a sculpture made from single use plastics.

On 22nd Feb from 6 until 9 pm they will host an evening of environmental-themed talks from some inspirational organisations:

The World Cetacean Alliance
Plastic-Free Me
Greenpeace Leeds
Love the Oceans
Zero Waste Leeds
The Real Junk Food Project

There will also be a variety of free, family-friendly workshops, including:

Mermaid Mondays
Dolphin Scramble
Ocean Plastics Fish Making
Sculpting The Future
The Forever Octopus

Please see the website for workshops, events and opening times:  humanaquarium.co.uk

Yorkshire Life Aquatic is a Leeds based Community Interest Company, working in and around water, focusing on promoting health and wellbeing, positive body image and highlighting environmental and animal welfare issues through arts projects.  Yorkshire Life Aquatic believes social empowerment begins with you.

‘The Human Aquarium’ is partnered with The World Cetacean Alliance and Plastic-Free Me, working together to help cetaceans and our environment.

Feature photograph by Tom Martin.

Do you have a story to tell?
We want to hear your stories and help you share them.