Born into a world of ecological disasters, many of us experience an increasing pressure to save the planet. Meat substitutes, plastic substitutes. Recycling and more cycling. Yet despite our efforts, CO2 emissions continue to close in quickly on the 1.5 ˚C target. It can make you wonder: “what’s the point of trying if we’re doomed either way?” Although this might not be the end, there are many people who feel like giving up. How do we deal with this feeling? And how does it affect our behaviour?

The VR experience “What a time to be Alive” guides you through some of the feelings that come with experiencing climate doom. Guilt, hopelessness, avoidance and, perhaps most importantly, that little spark of hope that is still there.

“What a time to be Alive” was made during “Spacemakers” an initiative by STRP Festival: Spacemakers x Iris van der Meule is a collaboration between 10 youngsters from SintLucas, Summa College, Fontys Hogescholen, TU/e, De Rooi Pannen, Grafisch Lyceum Utrecht and digital artist and virtual reality director Iris van der Meule, made possible by Cultural Participation Fund, Fund 21 and De Heuvel.

During this trajectory I guided these 10 young artists in a creative process and created this VR experience together.

Duration: 8 minutes

Commissioned by: STRP