Language frames the way in which we see the world. Recently, the term ‘ecosystem services’ has become a way to describe the important role nature plays in ‘supporting’ humans. Often criticized for language that commodifies nature, giving it a monetary value to be bartered with, it also gives nature a bartering force within the governance structures that exist. ‘A tree’s worth’ questions the paradox of language, exploring the role that data may play in the human journey of learning to listen to trees, simultaneously celebrating tree’s and their ‘worth’ in society. This exhibition raises complex ideas around earth rights, voice, agency and trees capacity to mitigate a changing climate through the collaboration between artists, planners and policy makers.

Writers-in-residence:
• Dr Jeanine Leane
• Ailsa Wild

A Tree’s Worth is supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery Project: “Seeing the good from the trees: remotely sensing the urban forest.” (DP 150103135)