LOOK Climate Lab 2026 at the Open Eye Gallery

The Open Eye Gallery is one of the most exciting spaces in Liverpool. If you’ve not been down to the Gallery on Liverpool’s Docks, it’s a must visit before you graduate.

A few weeks ago I was invited to attend the launch of their latest exhibition, the LOOK Climate Lab 2026. The biennial program showcases how photography can play a role in looking after our climate. Whether you’ve got an interest in the environment, photography or are just looking to fill some free time, the exhibition is a must visit.

The exhibition really made me think more about my environment and how being in nature affects me. I’m from a very rural bit of the Midland, and coming to university in a big city has made me feel quite disconnected from nature. Visiting the exhibition was a reminder of how green spaces are important for our mental health and the importance of cultivating those connections.

There are a huge range of projects and works on display by different creatives and organisations. Each piece brings a new perspective and ensures that the exhibition doesn’t feel repetitive. One of my personal favourite pieces was the wall showcasing The Pansy Project. This initiative plants a pansy at the site of homophobic and transphobic abuse, and has been running since 2015. Paul Hartfleet’s project helps to shed light on what is at times a silent issue in a powerful way. The wall of photos showcasing pansies from around the world and why they were planted is incredible impactful.

I was also struck by the Veteran’s Oak project. This is a nation-wide initiative to mark 80th Anniversary of the Second World War. To commemorate the Oak Anniversary, communities are encouraged to plant an Oak tree. This combines a commitment to remembering the atrocities of conflict, and a pledge to look after our climate. I think it’s a great way to bring history into communities while doing something positive for the environment.

The exhibition is a powerful testimony to the importance of our fragile climate. While it can be bleak to consider the prospect of climate change, seeing positive stories like ‘Our Growing Place’ (a collaboration with the volunteers from Whitby Park Community Garden) foster a real sense of hope.

You can visit The LOOK Climate Lab at the Open Eye Gallery until the 29th of March. The Gallery is open 10:00-17:00, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is Free.

You can find out more about the exhibition, including exciting events, here: https://openeye.org.uk

For more arts and culture, please click here: https://www.liverpoolguildstudentmedia.co.uk/category/arts-culture/