Post-Doctoral Researcher Francis Joy, member of the Arctic Anthropology research group of the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland, and John Ryan, University of Oulu, were awarded a 2 year research grant of 218,600 € for project “Gifts from the Sentient Forest: Communication and Collaboration between Trees and People in Northern Finland”.

‘Gifts from the Sentient Forest’ will develop an
innovative approach to Northern Finland’s forests. The project will foster new
perspectives on the region’s plants and the cultural heritage surrounding them
through insights from the natural and social sciences, humanities, and
arts. 

The idea of ‘forest sentience’ signifies the
capacity of plants for communication, memory, and other qualities linked to
intelligence. What are the creative, educational, social, and health-related
implications of recognising plants as sentient? 

Researchers suggest that engaging diverse audiences in experiencing forest
sentience can transform longstanding perceptions of trees as mere commodities. The
project will endeavour to understand how recognising the botanical world in contexts
other than exploitation can illuminate ways in which plant life rejuvenates
human-nature relationships and sustains the Earth. 

The
research and art project will investigate forest sentience as groundwork for
cultivating communication and collaboration that, in turn, inspires a transformation
of spirituality, awareness, and values. The research will facilitate participants’
experiences of forest sentience at sites near Oulu and Rovaniemi. Original songs,
poetry, stories, artworks, photography, and performances will result from seminars,
lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and publications. 

The
project will bring together the expertise of Francis Joy and John C. Ryan. While
Joy’s method of engaging trees focuses on spiritual dimensions, Ryan’s approach
explores the potential of sensory engagement with plants. 

Towards these aims, the programme will involve two concurrent components:
Joy and Ryan’s creative work as established artists and writers collaborating with
plants; and activities supporting others in deepening their connections to nature
through spiritual and sensory modalities. To enhance the programme’s ecological
emphasis, activities will be structured around Northern Finland’s eight
seasons.

More information:

Francis
Joy
Postdoctoral researcher
Arctic Anthropology, Arctic
Centre, University of Lapland
francis.joy@ulapland.fi