Oikalogical research

Oikalogical research expands on the concept of ecological research to include the human, cultural dimensions as integrated aspects of ecological systems.

Subjects Suitable for Oikalogical Research include:

• Invasive Species
• Pelagic Plastics
• Wildlife Rescue & Monitoring 
• Aquaculture
• Phenology (study of climate change effects)
• Citizen Science 
• Sci-Art Collaboration 
• Conservation journalism/documentary 

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.

Oikalogical Surveys include culture:

Building on the ecological survey model in the sciences, we are conducting preliminary “Oikalogical Surveys” to be associated with local artistic communities. 

An Oikalogical Survey expands the constellation of ecological relationships to include human and cultural dimensions of place.

An Oikalogical Survey begins with a one-month research residency wherein Dr. Rich Blundell will investigate the natural and cultural assets of communities including;

• The local artistic community (local artists, organizations, venues, galleries & audiences)
• Local agriculture & aquaculture groups & resources (farms & fisheries)
• Cultural organizations, foundations, historic associations, etc.
• Conservation organizations (land trusts, ecological restoration projects & opportunities)
• Local, state & federal government
• Relevant, local businesses (tours, guides, charter boats, etc).

The goal of the Oikalogical Survey will be to identify and cultivate new alliances and opportunities for deeper collaboration between local nature and culture. These opportunities for artists and scientists to discover each other's work and initiate new science-art collaborations. 

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 thought 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.