MI’KMA’KI (NOVA SCOTIA)
After many months of preparation, the artworks of 50 Things: A Provincewide Art Adventure is finally open to the public. The project is a collaboration between Ecology Action Centre and Zuppa Theatre Co. in celebration of EAC’s 50th anniversary. 50 Things is an interactive, multimedium treasure-hunt of artistic expression from established and emerging artists, inspired by the past 50 years of environmental activism in Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia.  

The artworks will be embedded in locations throughout the province, waiting to be discovered through the 50 Things app available on both Apple and Android mobile phones. When people using the free app get close to trigger locations, the app will “unlock” the art and the associated EAC stories. Each piece is intended to be experienced in a certain place, mindful of the surrounding environment and the history of that place. 

“We hope this project will be an opportunity for people living in Mi’kma’ki to reflect on the legacy of environmental activism in our province, and that it will spark our imaginations for where we need to go from here as a movement, in these remarkable times we’re living through,” says Joanna Bull, community engagement manager with EAC. “We’re really excited to see the stories of the past 50 years come alive in the hands of these amazing artists.” 

The first art piece in 50 Things was unveiled this week on the corner of Agricola Street and Willow Street in Halifax: a beautiful mural entitled Respect the Sun. The mural was created by Mi’kmaw artist and member of Millbrook First Nation, Lorne Alexander Julien. 

The project also features a variety of artists from across mediums, including pieces by BIPOC commissioned artists NAT chantel, Shauntay Grant, Tyshan Wright and shalan joudry. 

“The scope of this project is thrilling,” says Ben Stone, co-artistic director and co-founder of Zuppa Theatre Co., “there will be murals, sculptures, circus, music, poetry, crafts and everything in between. This is such an amazing showcase of the artistic talent we have in the province, and such a beautiful way to bring EAC’s history to life.”  

To download the 50 Things app for free, the public can visit www.ecologyaction.ca/50things. The project will carry on through Nocturne, ending on Sunday, October 17.  

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