Symbiosis is the key word in both the exhibition title and in the panel title, but what does it mean really? There are slightly varying definitions, but we'll go loosely with: close, prolonged association between two or more different biological species for mutual benefit (mutualism); or one benefits, the other is not harmed (commensalism).

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Bringing that high minded language down to earth, what does symbiosis actually look like "on the ground" and why would we humans want to participate? How can symbiotic relationships contribute to a future we would want?
 

We humans have a few urgent challenges:

• Enough fresh water for all

• The climate challenge of methane from rotting food "waste"

• Massive amounts of resource-rich human excreta that is literally going to waste and causing harm

 

Perhaps collaborating with other beings/ lifeforms who have specialized skills and knowledge would be advantageous!
So, we've assembled a panel of experts for a fun and provocative look at the benefits of partnering with:

• Wood eating rodent hydrological engineers

• Kitchen scrap transforming earthworms and microbes

• Kombucha SCOBIES (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) and other esoteric lifeforms

• Our own pee and poo​

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Maru Garcia, exhibition juror, artist and scientist, will share her art explorations including with SCOBIES and other organisms.
Kate Lundquist, fiber artist and ecologist of Occidental Arts & Ecology's Bring Back the Beaver Campaign, will bring beaver expertise into the conversation.
Kourtnii Brown, of California Alliance for Community Composting, will share about local vermi-composting of kitchen scraps ("squirmiculture")
Julia Cavicchi, of Rich Earth Institute, will illuminate how we can partner with our own bodily 'produce', especially our pee, for benefit of all

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Panelists will address how art is being woven into these efforts Be sure to tune in to this inspiring peek into our potential futures!