Have you ever wondered what it would be like to breathe the arctic air? To be surrounded by caribou, arctic foxes, and polar bears? To be completely enveloped by the sights, smells, and atmosphere of the arctic? Now you can easily feel these sensations without the plane ticket or time off. A team of talented artists and innovative creatives have collaborated for a unique and immersive art installation that allows for a first-hand look into this beautiful part of the world. Opening today, the exhibit entitled the Arctic Refuge Experience. Step in. Step up. was developed to stir viewers to take collective action to protect this untouched land from oil and gas drilling.

Walking through, billows of smoke surround your feet as you are engulfed in vast views of the Arctic Wilderness. Visitors are entirely immersed in a range of atmospheric elements including arctic experience via 4D technology, 66 million pixels of projected video, 20 channels of sound, custom scents, and and tactile sensation.

“The Arctic Refuge Experience: Step In. Step Up. leverages art and technology to engage all senses and create a fully immersive experience that transports visitors to a beautiful landscape few will get the chance to see in person,” Irene Pedruelo, DoSomething’s Director of Research tells Rogue Habits. “Knowing that people are much more likely to take action after participating in experiences, we wanted to merge the power and value of immersive experiences with social action to inspire people to protect the Arctic Refuge from the imminent threat of oil and gas drilling.”  

As a new form of activism, these the program has amassed a team of experts to join forces on this noble cause. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a natural wilderness area in the northeastern corner of Alaska, was established in 1960 and has since then been expanded to nearly 30,500 square miles. The area is situated completely above the arctic circle and is one of the last undeveloped parts of the world.

In recent years, this precious territory is becoming increasingly threatened by Big Oil as they increase their efforts to obtain the right to drill in these precious communities. The Arctic Refuge Experience aims to defend this awe-inspiring land by partnering with the Gwich’in Steering Committee and Gwich’in Youth Council. The Gwich’in people occupy Arctic Village, a small community that relies heavily on the caribou that spend their winter in the area. This experience profoundly spotlights the beauty of a remote area while also highlighting the negative impact that drilling would have in this undeveloped part of the world. Their battle cry, “Step in. Step up.” is driving many into action to #ProtectTheArctic. A month into opening in New York and Washington, D.C., over 6,000 people have gone through The Arctic Refuge Experience: Step In. Step Up., and there have been nearly 10K actions taken to protect the Arctic Refuge from drilling. 

The exhibit runs from November 21-24 at Capitol Art in San Francisco. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.