The Holdfast Art group headed by local artists Jo Fife and Sally O’Conner successfully facilitated art workshops for community that explored the biodiversity and role of algae (seaweed) in the marine ecosystem. The Limestone Coast Grassroots Grant supported these activities as well as the opportunity to gain greater understanding of our marine ecosystem from First Nation Peoples’ perspective.

Images: Tim Rosenthal

The Holdfast Art Project encompasses art, science, culture and the environment.

The project aims to increase awareness and education at a local level of the importance of Algae (seaweed) on the Port MacDonnell (Ngaranga) coastline. Highlighting the diverse role and the value algae plays in our marine ecology and community.

Through artist interpretation, research and presentations, permanent informative signs will be created and located on the Limestone Coast foreshore to continue to educate community of all generations.

The Limestone Coast Grassroots Grant allowed local First Nations Elders to be engaged to share cultural knowledge of algae, this was conducted as part of seaweed excursion.

Catering and materials such as journals, pencils, printing inks, etching supplies and paper where covered for the workshop allowing the event to be provided for free to community members.