St Andrews Botanic Garden Goes Green with Solar Cinema Screenings

On 27 April, the St Andrews Botanic Garden is set to host an Art Night, featuring its recently installed solar-powered cinema. The project first began after a collaboration with Studio Lemercier and is organised by eight student volunteers showcasing student talent in collaboration with various University societies.

Bekki Gorgon, Engagement Officer at the Botanic Garden, recalled how artist-in-residence Joanie Lemercier and curator Juliette Bibasse previously used solar power to create art installations, including film screenings, and artwork created using plotters, laser displays, and illuminated trees. Throughout the project, the Botanic Gardens invested in a battery, solar panel, and screen projector. This has now been used in wider community initiatives, including the solar cinema.

The solar cinema will take place inside a semi-enclosed tent, with an option to sit in the tent or stand outside to watch the selected films. According to student volunteer Maggie Chung, “The programme will feature films that explore themes of art, culture, and the environment.”

The Gardens are open to future collaborations with student volunteers seeking to make use of its solar cinema facilities. This spring, along with Art Night, the Gardens are also supporting nineteen student volunteers with three different projects, all of which make use of the solar cinema. These initiatives include a fairy-themed family cinema afternoon and a mindfulness evening.

Gorgon stated: “Our work is all about encouraging the community to engage with the Garden and the issues of biodiversity and the climate crisis which we explore, and the Solar Cinema is a brilliant way to get members of the St Andrews community to visit the Garden, get to know the space and learn more about what we do.”

Photo by Madeleine Rea