Impact. Connections. Change.
As we near the final presentation of National Geographic Live Virtual, Mysterious Seas with Diva Amon and David Gruber, we are grateful to Calgarians for wholeheartedly embracing these virtual events. Since its premiere in February, over 19,000 households have signed up—approximately 47,700 people—to experience these live presentations.
We began the season with photographers Anand Varma and Prasenjeet Yadav for Scientific Exposure, where we discovered the fascinating science behind micro photography, learned about the living tree bridges in India, ) and got up close and personal with the secret life of the snow leopard.
Hot on the heels of the Mars Perseverance Rover landing, we met planetary scientist and astrobiologist Kevin Peter Hand and NASA engineer Kobie Boykins who explored the possibility of life on other worlds and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the Rover landing. Women and Migration followed the compelling and often heartbreaking stories of women as they travelled long distances in search of a better life. Photographers Saiyna Bashir, Miora Rajaonary, and Danielle Villasana shared their stories from Pakistan, South Africa, and South America, demonstrating how they used photography to break down misconceptions and stereotypes to foster understanding and empathy.
In the most recent presentation, we met two paleontologists and discussed not only the discovery of new bizarre dinosaurs, but also the huge challenges faced by paleontologists in the field—whether its snakes and sandstorms or snow and freezing temperatures. Dr. Bolertsetseg Minji, an award-winning Mongolian paleontologist, also made a guest appearance to discuss the repatriation of fossils such as velociraptor, which is a dinosaur only found in Mongolia.
These powerful stories create a lasting impact, not only in the hearts and minds of Calgarians, but also for the individuals whose lives and perspectives are being shared. The struggles of Velamfundo Primary School in Johannesburg, South Africa shared during the Women and Migration presentation was so poignant that eight generous Explorers Circle members stepped forward to make the financial commitment necessary to keep the doors of the school open. Judith Manjoro, a high school teacher, founded the school to provide support to some of South Africa’s most vulnerable migrant students and give them the education that they so desperately need in order to build a brighter future for themselves and their families, and because of the support of these donors, she can continue to do so.This is just one example of how National Geographic Live can create lasting change, inspiring empathy and touching the lives of people around the globe.
Going Deep into Mysterious Seas
As we wrap up our 20-21 season of National Geographic Live Virtual, we still have one splashy presentation. Marine biologists Dr. Diva Amon and David Gruber have spent their careers studying human impact on deep oceans, delving into the darkest parts of these mysterious ecosystems. For many of us, the deepest fathoms of the ocean are alien and intimidating, but to Dr. Amon, they’re an unexplored realm of possibility.
“I get the privilege of experiencing this incredible place and I feel the need to share it with as many people as possible in the hope that maybe it may spark curiosity,” says Dr. Amon. “Especially in the world that I work in, the deep sea is incredibly out of sight and out of mind. It has a really bad PR problem.”
Diva Amon will be joined by David Gruber who, along with his team of collaborators, reported the discovery of over 180 bioluminescent fish species.
When asked about the intersection between the art of photography and marine biology, David has a simple answer: “Looking at these animals, looking at the diversity, the weird forms, the adaptions, it’s artwork. Artwork that could save the ocean,” he says.
Much of Gruber’s work involves developing, in his words, "New ways of doing science that are gentler and more connective than previous methods.” What does that mean? David is interested in technology to study marine environments without disturbing them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq8G0HTb_BU
Meet these two marine biologists on the cutting edge of oceanic research in Mysterious Seas, the final presentation in Arts Commons Presents’ National Geographic Live Virtual season. And if you loved this series, stay tuned for the announcement of our 21-22 National Geographic Live season, back in the Jack Singer Concert Hall, live and in-person.
We are so grateful for the generous support of ConocoPhillips Canada, Keyera Corp., Enbridge Inc., Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals, and our Explorers Circle and Founders Circle members whose contributions made it possible for Arts Commons to share this beloved series through a virtual platform.
