Future Island-Island Impact Cards: Fungal Learning

This isa Rathlin Creative Fellowship awarded as part of Future Island-Island.

Challenge
The Fungal Learning project creatively explores the world of fungi and fungal potential to remediate pollution and break down waste, including plastic. Using collaborative, experimental practices to investigate this vast kingdom as well as the ethics of our interactions with fungi, this research approach highlights the complexity of waste solutions and fungal behaviours.
Approach
Fungal Learning is founded upon collaborative practice, fundamentally that of two artists, one naturalist and of course fungi. Innovative observational processes, mycology specialist input and oyster mushroom expertise is expanded upon by extensive discussion on ethics, knowledge, and language. This approach underscores the limited understanding of the fungal world and fungal capabilities, emphasising the necessity for thoughtful consideration and (un)learning when collaborating with fungi in the context of waste management.
Outcomes
Fungal Learning is fundamentally a creative research project the outcome of which is to increase awareness of fungal life. A limited edition broadsheet and potential future iterations of open studio and/or symposium, as well as artists’ socially engaged works, both on Rathlin Island and beyond, ensure the fostering of continuing conversation on the topics of waste streams and ethics.
Learnings
The project highlights the need to integrate fungi into our thinking and talking, revealing how important this understanding is when considering the untapped and infinite potential of fungi. Fungal Learning also highlights the urgent necessity of communicating around this. Global and island ecologies are complex and fragile, and a considered and sensitive approach on our behalf is therefore crucial.
Impact
Fungal Learning sits at the edges of fungal knowledge, a delicate yet important place. This learning has the potential to stimulate ecological awareness through ongoing exploration, publications and engagement, not only within the immediate Rathlin Island community but far beyond - offering opportunity to shape our deeper understanding, not just of fungi, but ecological entanglement as a whole.