A community art and science exhibition has flown into Geelong to help open a relationship between residents and the region’s wildlife.
The Bats and Belonging open community show opened at Untether Gallery on 5 February with a wide selection of artworks depicting Geelong’s grey-headed flying foxes.
Deakin University Environmental Sciences senior lecturer Dr Adam Cardilini organised the exhibition with honours student and artist Nyssa Braid alongside Bats of Geelong Wildlife Shelter.
Dr Cardilini said the free exhibition would run until 21 February and explore the community’s understanding of care connection and coexistence with grey-headed flying foxes.
“We’re hoping to share the story of the ecological role of the bats, their importance in our environment, and who they are as individuals,” he said.
“Whoever felt inspired by the theme of the exhibition was welcome to put in a piece of work on the theme of celebrating or exploring our relationships with the grey-headed flying foxes.
“We hope that the artwork is an impactful and powerful way for people to share the community’s understandings of the bats…and there’s a variety of artwork as well.”
Dr Cardilini said grey-headed flying foxes were an important part of Eastern Park and Geelong’s landscapes.
“When we turn our attention to someone else and imagine their world and perspective, we can really open ourselves up to who they are,” he said.
“Bats give us a view into what the lives of other animals are like, and for bats in Geelong, they have a good life as they’re living well, and they can flourish if they’re treated with care and respect.
“These recent days of very hot weather can mean catastrophic heat events that kill many bats, and sharing that story with the local community in Geelong is really important.
“It means that it brings awareness to the threat that the bats face into the future in a warming world…and they’re these sentient beings who enjoy life, have friendships, and challenges.”
