An exhibition of works combining the influences of art and science is set to open at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on 13 October 2018.

Oceans of Plastic  draws on the disciplines of artistic creation and environmental science to highlight the effect of marine debris on the local marine environment and features works by a number of promising artists of Thursday Island-based schools.

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM said theproject received funding from the TSRA Culture, Art and Heritage Programme to present young people’s views on conservation.

“The Oceans of Plastic project brought together scientists, local artists and community membersto combine knowledge of how marine debris affects marine life with printmaking skills,” Mr Stephen said.

“The TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit was proud to work alongside talented artists including local printmaker, George Gabey, to develop students’ skills and knowledge of the local environment,” he said.

The arts-based project was led by Our Lady of the Sacred Heart school teacher, Michelle Hall, who says the exhibition illustrates the value of the arts as a powerful communication tool.

“Environmental and artistic processes both follow methods of observation, experimentation, visualisation and objectivity,” Ms Hall said.

“By combining the curiosity, inquiry and knowledge that exists in both disciplines, art became the bridge between information, understanding and communicating,” she said.

Oceans of Plastic opens in a free community event at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre at 11.30am on Saturday 13 October 2018.