Ensuring that the genetic diversity of the world’s food crops is preserved for future generations is an important contribution toward the reduction of hunger and poverty in developing countries. This is where the greatest plant diversity originates and where the need for food security and the further development of agriculture is most urgent.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which is established in the permafrost in the mountains of Svalbard, is designed to store duplicates of seeds from seed collections around the globe. Many of these collections are in developing countries. If seeds are lost, e.g. as a result of natural disasters, war or simply a lack of resources, the seed collections may be reestablished using seeds from Svalbard.
Treasure of Seeds has been curated to celebrate these efforts. The exhibition features works from 20 contemporary artists from around the world as well as a number of Australian artists including works by indigenous artist Gary Simon Jugamurra. All works have a environmental theme that celebrates the treasure of nature in a location which in itself is a celebration of nature.
The exhibition will take place August 8 - 19, 2009, at the CSIRO Discovery centre, located on the Black Mountain research site in Canberra.
Official opening:
7:00pm 7 August 2009, by
His Excellency Mr. Lars A. Wensell
Ambassador of Norway
Venue:
CSIRO Discovery
Black Mountain Laboratories
Clunies Ross Street
ACTON ACT 2601
Australia
Special guests:
Anthony Bond OAM
Assistant Director, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Dan Cove, Jenolan Caves
Special keynote presentation on
"Australia's Key Role in the Svalbard Vault" by
Emeritus Professor John Lovett
Exhibition dates:
August 8 - 19, 2009