An effort is underway to turn beach debris into art at Cape Cod National Seashore/NPS

Garbage can be turned into art. At least that's the plan at Cape Cod National Seashore, where the National Park Service and the Center for Coastal Studies is seeking someone to create an outdoor marine debris art exhibition at the seashore.

Funding for this collaboration is made possible by a unique federal opportunity linking the NPS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program in a national effort to educate and inform about marine debris issues affecting national park areas.

The exhibit resulting from this opportunity will support marine debris prevention, outreach, and education undertaken by both organizations by reaching new audiences, educating about debris sources in the region, raising awareness, and encouraging behavior changes to reduce or prevent marine debris.

“Marine debris is a serious issue affecting all coastal areas,” noted Cape Cod National Seashore Superintendent Brian Carlstrom. “In addition to being unsightly, debris contains pollutants and harms wildlife. This joint venture will raise awareness of this issue and encourage personal behaviors that can reduce and prevent marine debris.”

The NPS and CCS have collaborated on several resource management and research projects over many years. Shoreline clean-ups in the seashore led by CCS have provided robust data about the types of debris on seashore beaches, which may assist the grant recipient in the development of an effective and reflective work.

"Incorporating marine debris into an artistic and educational exhibit is the best and highest use for that litter, and debris data in the hands of an artist can truly help communicate the issue,” said Laura Ludwig, director of the CCS Marine Debris and Plastics Program.

Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of jurors with a range of expertise, from ocean science to art to engineering, to select a work that will be highly visible for several years at a seashore location.

Deadline for applications is June 8 (World Ocean Day 2022). The announcement of a successful applicant will be made on July 15. Final installation of the exhibit will be completed by Earth Day 2023, with a public ceremony on World Ocean Day 2023.

The Request for Proposals can be obtained by contacting Laura Ludwig at [email protected] or Aleutia Scott at [email protected].