Antarctica

Antarctica will launch Quarterhouse in Folkestone’s SALT Festival of the Sea and the Environment. SALT explores the way coastal environments shape who we are and how we think, and asks what the future might hold for the people and places that exist on the edge.

Antarctica is the most inhospitable climate in the world. It’s the driest, windiest place on Earth, synonymous with lack of life, failed expedition attempts and the crisis of climate change. A place with no artists for miles around. A place that Chris Dobrowolski decided was perfect for him. 

For three and a half months Chris lived and worked alongside the medical professionals, researchers and scientists at the British Antarctic Survey, trying to experiment creatively whilst (crucially) trying to survive. He discovered that sometimes it’s very difficult to justify your position as an Artist whilst everyone around you is a Hero. Antarctica is an adventure story-PowerPoint-presentation about overcoming hardships and celebrating difference via tales of carnivorous ducks, Ladybird books and a sledge built out of gold picture frames. 

The tour of Antarctica is supported using public National Lottery funding by Arts Council England’s Grants for the Arts.