Oika research

Oika research is ecological research that includes local culture as integral to local ecosystems. 

Oika researchers are pioneering artists and other cultural creatives who seek to actively explore and nudge the existential issues of our time. 

An Oika Outpost is a small, off-grid and self-sustaining homestead where in-residence Oika researchers engage in professional development and conduct long-term creative projects that manifest the principles of Oika. We are currently working to establish a network of Oika Outposts as destinations for Oika Research.

Subjects Suitable for Oikalogical Research include:

• Ecological Survey & Monitoring 
• Invasive Species Response
• Pelagic/Neritic, Plastics Clean-up
• Fishing Debris Location & Removal
• Wildlife Reporting & Monitoring 
• Aquaculture Research
• Phenology (study of climate change effects)
• Citizen Science 
• Sci-Art Collaboration 
• Public Interpretation/Communication
• Conservation Journalism/Documentary 

Oika Outposts

Ecological Survey Model:

Scientific field stations are places where scientists go to do geological, biological and ecological research. These facilities are usually located within special habitats and can include laboratory space, equipment for fieldwork, logistical support and researcher accommodations. A fundamental aspect of field station research includes quantitative documentation of local, ecological dimensions such as geography, soil types, hydrological processes, floral and faunal regimes etc. Ecological surveys document the relations between the physical and biological dimensions of a habitat.

Methodology:

The project will be documented in real-time through an online platform called the “Oika Board”. This chronological repository of project outputs is populated over the course of the residency with rich, multimedia content that includes categories such as:

• Earth Stories - short narratives of first-person iteration with local nature 
• Science - place-based, unique aspects of local ecology
• Culture - place-based, unique aspects of local, history, narratives and culture
• Outliers - content that falls into other categories

Data is collected through an interdisciplinary methodology that includes:

• Literary research (site-specific biological surveys, journal publications & periodicals)
• Interviews with scientist and varied outreach to local artists
• Phenomenological engagement with ecological dynamics

Outcomes: 

Toward the completion of the project, new collaborative associations will be identified and invited to further participate. For example, scientists working in local habitats will be introduced to artists who are interested in further collaboration. These instances of cross-pollination will foster new connections between habitats and cultures, thus accomplishing the mission of Oika.
In addition to new science-art collaborations, Oika is interested in developing new infrastructure to support such collaborations. This may include artist grants or  investment in the  construction or renovation of buildings for artist studios or residences.