Southern Ocean Songlines;

Where Nature, Art, Culture & Science Meet

Southern Ocean Songlines is an arts initiative exploring the connections between Antarctica, migratory species and Australian Coastal ecosystems.

Sooty shearwaters (Ardenna grisea), known as tītī or muttonbirds,  breeding range extends from cold sub-Antarctic islands to subtropical islands in the Southern Hemisphere. Seen here on Campbell Island/Moutere Ihupuku, this isone of the southernmost breeding sites in New Zealand.Their between season is between November and December, and can be seen accompanying humpback whales on their northward migration. 

In 2026, Southern Ocean Creative Songlines follows the ancient pathways of migrating species  that connect the Antarctic region with Australian waters.

These species follow ancient ocean routes guided by wind, currents and instinct.

Their journeys remind us that Antarctica is not remote — it is connected to our coastal ecosystems.

Understanding these migrations is part of the story behind

Southern Ocean Songlines is an interdisciplinary art–culture-science initiative exploring  pathways of migrating species from one of  Earth’s most dynamic and fragile marine environments, Antarctica.

Project outcomes include a touring art exhibition and potentially permanent display within Moreton Bay, former home to the largest whaling station in the southern hemisphere. Get in touch to find out touring locations along the east coast of Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand or become a project partner.

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