Participating in National Science Week in Norway: Communicating edible wild plants as emergency food

During National Science Week in Norway, Talk Nature Artistic Research examined edible wild plants as an overlooked source of emergency food through sensory and participatory approaches. The project investigated how artistic research can create accessible and engaging ways to connect scientific knowledge with everyday experience, curiosity, and our relationship with nature.

The project used design across four interconnected elements to present edible wild plants as emergency food:

1. Visitors encountered markings of edible wild plants already outside the Kristiania University of Applied Sciences building, introducing the theme before entering the exhibition space.

2. Questions and information placed on the steps of the staircase invited reflection on foraging, wild edible plants, and food as a form of emergency preparedness.

3. The staircase also featured an interactive installation where visitors could respond to the questions and share their own knowledge and experiences with wild edible plants on notes. Their contributions became part of the installation, creating an evolving exchange of knowledge and perspectives among participants.

4. Visitors could taste food and drinks made from wild plants and engage in conversations with researchers. Packaging was designed to present these plant-based foods as emergency food, extending the project into a tangible and sensory experience.