About

The project's mission is clear: to connect children from schools, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, with the fascinating field of polar research. It recognizes that representation matters and aims to empower young individuals to envision themselves as future polar scientists, explorers, and artists.

Welcome to Polar Portals.

Connecting Young Minds to the Wonders of Polar Science! 

Our mission is to inspire and engage 8-12-year-old students, especially those from ethnic minorities, to consider exciting careers in polar research. 

Through innovative AR-enabled postcards, stunning artwork, and direct connections with diverse polar scientists, we're breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all children to see themselves represented in the world of science. 

Explore this site to learn more about our project and join us on this thrilling journey of discovery!


Key Components:

AR-Enabled Postcards from Antarctica: In the autumn of 2022, Polar Portals sent a unique gift all the way from the Antarctic to schools in the UK. These are no ordinary postcards; they come to life through Augmented Reality (AR). Featuring captivating artworks created by BIPOC and indigenous artists living in polar regions, these postcards showcase the wonders of polar exploration, science, and art.

Educational Workshops: Alongside Royal Museums Greenwich, we organised an artist-led workshop with local schoolchildren in South London. These workshops encouraged young talents to envision and create their own postcards depicting the future of polar exploration.

Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum: The children's remarkable artworks were proudly displayed in an exhibition at the prestigious National Maritime Museum, Greenwich for the public and the children themselves to admire. This exhibition was not just a celebration of art but also an opportunity to showcase the potential of young artists and explorers.

Art Competition : To take the excitement up a notch, an art competition was held, and the winning artworks were sent to the faraway Penguin Post Office in Antarctica! 

Educational Resources: The project's commitment to education extends to creating classroom activities that connect to this website. These resources provide valuable insights into the world of polar exploration and science, making learning both engaging and informative.

The Team

  • Prem Gill

    Prem is a PhD candidate leading the "Seals from Space" project with the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI), British Antarctic Survey (BAS) & World Wildlife Fund (WWF). As the founder of Polar Impact, he has used his research to spearhead multiple projects to attract and retain talent from non-traditional backgrounds within polar science. This work spans a range of audiences, from hosting citizen science events to creating art installations using Antarctic seal sounds to produce Grime music

  • Kirsty Flockhart

    Kirsty is like a creative wizard who makes magical things happen with art! As the Curator and Arts Manager, Kirsty doesn't just love art; she's like a superhero who brings artists from all around the world to create amazing artworks. She even works with kids, helping them make their own art and turning their ideas into big, colourful exhibitions. Kirsty is like the captain of a creative ship, steering it through the seas of imagination and bringing together artists, scientists, and even the magical world of Polar Portals. She's an expert at organising things and making sure everything looks fantastic.

  • Jessie Pearce

    Jessie is the Public Engagement Manager at The Alan Turing Institute. She joined the Turing’s Communications and Events Team in 2016 and leads several of the institute’s public engagement events and initiatives, such as the flagship event series, The Turing Lectures, the Talk Data To Me video series and various outreach activities aimed at engaging underserved groups in data science and AI. Jessie’s background is in the humanities, and she is passionate about bridging the gaps between science and creativity

  • Contributors

    Polar Impact Team: Emma Armitage, Samuel Bancroft, Keiron Bally, Siri Birkeland, Heather Selley, Jordan Simbananiye, Anna Tq, Benjamin Wallis, Priscilla Wong and Sally Wilson.

    Kyun Ogoloro (Children of the Sun): Diana.

    Royal Museums Greenwich: Naimah Begum, Ruth Boley, Dwayne Rose, and Joanna Salter and artist Facilitator Shermaine Slocombe

    Royal Geographical Society Explore Festival: Christy Braham, Ayesha Dunk, Samira Patel, Hua Lu, Priscilla Wong, Kirsty Flockhart, Benjamin Wallis, Dwayne Rose and Shane Wiser

    Art competition Judges Panel: Claire Warrior, Evgenia Arbugaeva, Dwayne Rose and Anneca York.

    The Alan Turing Institute: Joanna Dungate, Ayesha Dunk and Jennifer Ding.

    UK Antarctic Heritage Trust: Camilla Johns, Camilla Nichol and Heather Barrable.

    Arcade: Jon Meggit and Bato Balvanera.