“The Underwater” at the 2024 Gulf of Mexico Conference

On Feb 20th, 2024, Xavier Cortada moderated a panel on “The Underwater” at the Gulf of Mexico Conference 2024, in a session curated by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and the Cultural Programs of the NAS. “The Underwater” is a socially engaged art project that uses elevation-driven art to systematically reveal South Florida’s vulnerability to rising seas and mobilize residents to participate in planning for a future impacted by climate change. The 90-minute session included the following panelists:

• Xavier Cortada, Artist & Professor of Practice, Department of Art & Art History, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami (Moderator)
• Adam Roberti, Executive Director, Xavier Cortada Foundation
• Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Chief Resilience Officer, Broward County
• Dr. Francisco De Caso, Principal Scientist, Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami
• Ed Talavera, Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts, School of Communication, University of Miami

More information:

The Underwater panel was part of an all-day science-art session at the Gulf of Mexico Conference held at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, FL, from February 19-22, 2024. The session, curated by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and the Cultural Programs of the NAS and moderated by Louisiana artist and biologist Brandon Ballengée, explored the dynamic intersection of art and science. It highlighted how collaborations between these fields can enhance creative problem-solving, engage broader audiences, effectively communicate scientific concepts, and amplify community voices. Key discussions included the evidence supporting the synergistic impact of art-science partnerships on advancing science communication, education, and community engagement, alongside showcasing successful case studies from the Gulf region. Xavier Cortada, an artist and professor from the University of Miami, delved into “The Underwater,” a project emphasizing South Florida’s risk from rising sea levels and encouraging community involvement in climate change adaptation. The session also featured Deborah Mitchell, a conservation artist who demonstrated the role of multidisciplinary projects in enriching public understanding of art and science interactions, focusing on conservation, water dynamics, and biodiversity. Participants in this session, including experts like Ashley Bear of NASEM, curator and social artist Henry Sanchez, and various academics and professionals, discussed best practices for designing art-science projects, engaging communities effectively, and evaluating the impact of these initiatives. Through case studies and expert insights, the session underscored the unique ability of art to interpret and elevate scientific research, fostering a deeper public comprehension and engagement with pressing environmental issues.

The Gulf of Mexico Conference (GOMCON) brought together coastal scientists and stakeholders in state and federal government, academia, non-profit, and private sectors to discuss current Gulf research and collaborate on new opportunities. Emphasizing the intersection of science, policy, and management, GOMCON included sessions on themes important to ecosystem and community resilience as well as restoration and natural resource management.