Call of the Running Tide brings environmental art to the Community Hall

How can art help us see the natural world differently? That question takes centre stage from November 14th to 21st with the opening of The Call of the Running Tide - The Littoral Zone exhibition at the Port Douglas Community Hall.

In this major upcoming showcase, thirteen Far North Queensland artists have created new environmental artworks that turn scientific observation and environmental research into site based installations and multimedia works, tackling coastal biodiversity and pressing ecological threats head-on.

Curated by Oak Beach-based environmental artist and project instigator Jill Chism, the exhibition focuses on the littoral zone, the dynamic intertidal strip between high and low tides.

The project features thirteen participating artists from the Douglas Shire and Cairns, pairing mid-career and established professionals with mentored emerging artists. 

Their works draw on field observations and local environmental research across 11 coastal sites, stretching from Cow Bay in the Daintree down to the Cairns Esplanade and Trinity Inlet.

As creative activators, these artists take a localised approach to revealing the biodiversity and issues at their selected beaches. 

While some installations illuminate fragile marine ecosystems and natural regeneration, others directly confront pressing issues of waste, pollution, and toxicity.

Call of the Running Tide

Conceived by Chism in 2011 to connect art and environmental science, Call of the Running Tide debuted in 2019 with outdoor installations across Port Douglas and Mossman. 

Today, the initiative has grown beyond a gallery show into an ongoing dialogue between artists, scientists, Traditional Owners, and regional communities. 

Following a successful showing at Cairns' Tanks Arts Centre earlier this year, Jill Chism’s exhibition, The Call of the Running Tide: The Littoral Zone / Port Douglas, opens at the Port Douglas Community Hall at 6pm on Saturday, 14 November. All are welcome to attend.

The Call of the Running Tide, The Littoral Zone / Port Douglas is supported by Port Douglas Artists inc, Douglas Shire Council and a Regional Arts Development Fund Grant, with all participating artists receiving Regional Arts Fund grants for the Tanks exhibition. 

While interregional artists are not funded for the Douglas Shire exhibition there is generous support from the local business community, with contributions from Port Douglas Magazine, Hortulus, David Kempton MP, Quicksilver, Silky Oaks Lodge and Hibiscus Resort & Spa and TTPD. Chrissie Mc Laughlin has also contributed extensive personal support. 

Jill Chism said that this strong show of local support highlights the important role that the creative sector plays within the Douglas Shire community, along with a shared passion for the region's unique natural environment. 

“The collaboration between artists, funding bodies, local organisations and businesses demonstrates how a community can come together to support creative initiatives that celebrate, interpret and encourage greater appreciation of the environment,” she said.