KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — For many people, art is meant to be impactful. One interactive installation formally unveiled on Friday by Knoxville's Arts and Culture Alliance aims to show people how their decisions can also have an impact.
It's named "Win the FUTURE" and its opening reception was held alongside the alliance's First Friday event on Aug. 2, starting at 5 p.m. The artwork was created by Jake Barton and gives people the chance to test how their current decisions can shape the future of Knoxville's health and well-being. Specifically, it demonstrates the impact climate change can have on the community's future.
"Climate change results from set of complex phenomena. But its consequences are quite simple: We can either have a bad future, where more people are imperiled ... or a better future, where fewer of us are at risk," a description of the artwork said.
People make choices while exploring the artwork, and each choice can take them to different places. A choice to put out a forest fire, clear flooded streets or plant virtual flowers can lead visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains where they can witness the impact their decision had on the landscape.
If people aren't able to make it to The Emporium Friday night to enjoy the exhibit, organizers also said the exhibit would be open all month long.