Luke Jerram’s GAIA, an installation that features detailed NASA imagery of the Earth, is being brought to Keele University by arts organisation Appetite and the University’s arts programme, ArtsKeele, this November.

The installation, which measures six metres in diameter, can be seen at Keele Chapel on the Keele University campus from Saturday 6 to Saturday 27 November.

Audience members will be able to visit GAIA Monday to Friday by dropping in, though capacity is limited and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. When visiting at the weekend, audiences can book a free slot online.

There will also be a ticketed programme of surrounding events to complement the installation, full details of which will be announced soon.

The installation will give audiences the opportunity to view the Earth as it might be seen from space, also known as the ‘Overview Effect’. This new perspective inspires the audience to think about their place on the planet and reminds them of their responsibility to protect it.

A specially-made surround sound composition will be played alongside the sculpture, created by BAFTA award-winning Composer Dan Jones.

Steph Wright of ArtsKeele said: “We are super excited to be working in partnership with Appetite to bring GAIA to Keele University campus. The installation will be one of the biggest events of our ArtsKeele calendar this season.

“We look forward to seeing visitors immerse themselves into this epic piece of art which will also provide a focal point for a range of programmed activities including concerts, creative sessions, lectures, wellbeing activity and the opportunity to just 'be' with Gaia.”

Appetite Director Gemma Thomas said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming another of Luke Jerram’s installations following the positive response to Museum of the Moon a few years ago and other works we’ve presented of his Play Me, I’m Yours and Lullaby.

“We hope that, following the past year, GAIA might be able to provide audiences with a new perspective of our place and relationship with the planet whilst enjoying the piece in Keele Chapel, a stunning space where we will also be hosting a programme of events and in a way that GAIA can be enjoyed and appreciated.”

The installation of GAIA coincides with the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), providing a timely reminder to exhibition visitors of the challenges the planet is currently facing.

The installation will be open to the public from 6 to 27 November 2021 and is free to visit. Visit the ArtsKeele website for further information.

Image Credit: GDIF/Southall