100 Species Exhibition

Curated and presented by Edinburgh Shoreline, the 100 Species Exhibition celebrates the life that thrives on our coast and in our seas. It takes viewers on a journey from the skies above, to the shore, through the inter-tidal zone, before finally taking a deep dive under the waves.

As part of their ambitious project Edinburgh Shoreline offered people the chance to respond creatively to one of the many species that lives (or lived) in and around the Firth of Forth and to help raise awareness about its importance. Local artists, schools and community groups selected from 100 species, spent time learning about them and then created impressive artworks of the creatures. The 100 Species Project followed on from the very successful Forthline Project, and compliments the Restoration Forth Project.

Participants were encouraged to choose a species, learn about it and its habitat, dependency on other species (and possibly one amazing fact!) and then create something to celebrate it – this could be a painting, model, sculpture, jewellery, something knitted, sewn, welded or carved, a poem, a song or a play, ‘a short video’. Everyone was asked to consider sustainability and if possible use upcycled or recycled materials.

The responses were many and varied – as the resulting exhibition shows – it is a riotous and colourful celebration of life, from the smallest bacteria to humpback whales. It also celebrates the creativity of the makers – from professional artists to community groups to schools – and encourages us all to learn about the interconnected web of life under the sea and our role in protecting its future.