Meg O’Hara x Arctic basecamp

 

I am thrilled to submit my application for the Media Fellow-in-Residence program at Arctic Basecamp during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. As an artist and science communicator, my work bridges the gap between academic research and public understanding to drive climate action, with a focus on ocean conservation in polar regions. Having recently returned from a research expedition in Greenland, I am inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with Arctic Basecamp in amplifying the voices of those most affected by climate change.

Why Arctic Basecamp?

The Arctic is disproportionately affected by climate change, warming at three to four times the global average. Its health impacts not only the local ecosystem but also global systems. Yet, this vital region often feels disconnected from people’s everyday lives, seen as "otherworldly." My mission is to challenge this perception and show that the Arctic is intrinsically tied to the health of the planet.

Arctic Basecamp’s focus on “speaking science to power” resonates deeply with my work. Through storytelling and visual art, I aim to spark curiosity and inspire action by presenting the Arctic as both beautiful and vulnerable. Being bilingual in English and French will allow me to communicate with a wider audience. I am excited by the chance to bring my creative perspective to Arctic Basecamp’s efforts at Davos and contribute to driving urgent climate conversations at the highest level.

 

Relevant Expertise

My career as an artist and science communicator has been dedicated to using art and storytelling to communicate the urgency of climate action, particularly in polar regions. Key accomplishments include:

  • Expedition to Greenland (2024): As Artist-in-Residence aboard a 75’ research sailboat, I collaborated with an all-scientist crew testing for microplastics in partnership with The Ocean Race and Professor Johan Rockström (Arctic Basecamp Science Associate). This expedition fueled Arctic policy discussions on climate action and inspired my ongoing work translating scientific research into visual narratives.

  • Presentation in Iceland (2024): During an expedition to Iceland, I presented my Arctic-focused work on climate policy at the Canadian Embassy in Reykjavik, engaging with the Canadian Ambassador and embassy staff to highlight the urgency of Arctic conservation.

  • Artist-in-Residence at the Canadian Ice Core Lab (2023): I worked with National Geographic Explorer and glaciologist Dr. Alison Criscitiello on Arctic-focused research, collaborating with Protect Our Winters on a project connecting climate science to public awareness through art.

  • James Cameron Exhibit, Ocean Week (2023): My painting of Antarctica’s “Frozen Labyrinth” was featured in the James Cameron exhibit in conjunction with National Geographic, Rolex, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. As part of this initiative, I presented my work to the Prime Minister of Canada, the President of National Geographic, and the President of Rolex, further elevating the role of art in science communication.

  • Antarctic Delegation (2022): As one of ten Canadians selected for an Antarctic Treaty delegation, I presented on Arctic and Antarctic policy at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, the Canadian Embassy in Buenos Aires, and to the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat. My work involved documenting events, interviewing key participants, and fostering connections between scientific research and global policymaking.

  • Ocean Conservation Expedition (2022): I served as Artist-in-Residence aboard the Polar Prince icebreaker ship with the SOI Foundation, working with researchers studying ocean health in the Atlantic and creating art to communicate their findings to broader audiences.

  • Presentations to Key Stakeholders: I have presented my work to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of British Columbia, the President of National Geographic, the President of Rolex, and the Canadian Ambassador to Iceland, demonstrating my ability to engage high-level audiences and inspire meaningful dialogue on climate action.

Additional accolades;

  • Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society

  • Member International at The Explorers Club

  • WINGS Women of Discovery Flag Carrier

  • Creative Ambassador for Protect Our Winters

  • Brand Ambassador for Baffin

  • Ambassador for 11th Hour Racing

  • BCBusiness Woman of the Year, 2023

  • BCBusiness Top 30 Under 30, 2021

Examples of media features;

These experiences highlight my ability to collaborate with scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders, transforming complex research into accessible and impactful narratives.

11th Hour Racing

My current two-year project with 11th Hour Racing (supported by the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Family Foundation), is dedicated to communicating Arctic science and policy through storytelling and art. This project began with my expedition to Greenland this summer, where I joined an all-scientist crew testing for microplastics in collaboration with The Ocean Race. Onboard, I supported their research and science communication, helping translate their findings into narratives accessible to broader audiences.

Now, I am creating a series of polar-inspired artworks that will be exhibited across North America and Europe in 2025. These works aim to illuminate the Arctic’s beauty and fragility, fostering a deeper understanding of its critical role in global climate systems.

The Arctic Basecamp fellowship would enhance this project by providing unique insights and connections from Davos, integrating global perspectives into the exhibition. Additionally, it would offer opportunities for collaboration between Arctic Basecamp and 11th Hour Racing, leveraging my network and storytelling platform to amplify shared messages and reach new audiences.

Contributions to Arctic Basecamp

As a Media Fellow-in-Residence, I would bring a diverse set of skills, resources, and initiatives to support Arctic Basecamp’s mission:

  • Art and Storytelling: I propose bringing a polar-inspired painting to display at Arctic Basecamp in Davos, offering a visual focal point to inspire and engage attendees.

  • Media Pitches and Content Creation: Collaborating with media outlets to amplify Arctic Basecamp’s message through interviews, media features, content creation, presentations, and real-time event coverage. Possibility of bringing a painting to the event.

  • Social Media and Network Engagement: Leveraging my experience and network, including Protect Our Winters, 11th Hour Racing, Baffin, and The Ocean Race, to broaden Arctic Basecamp’s reach.

  • Live Event Documentation: Conducting interviews with key stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, and business leaders, to create impactful stories and visual content that extend Arctic Basecamp’s message to broader audiences.

  • French and English: Being bilingual in both languages will allow me to expand the audience base onsite in Davos.

Conclusion

This fellowship represents a unique opportunity to bring my artistic and communication skills to Arctic Basecamp’s critical mission of “speaking science to power.” I am eager to contribute to the team’s efforts at Davos, amplify the Arctic’s story through innovative storytelling, and inspire meaningful action on the climate crisis.

Thank you for considering my application. I am inspired by Arctic Basecamp’s work and would be honoured to contribute my expertise and creativity to this mission.

Sincerely,
Meg O’Hara