A Pollen Odyssey - film screening + Q&A

Film screening + Q&A with special guests Spring and summer brings a bouquet of floral beauty, industrious insects and blankets of pollen across the landscape: it’s a time of intense ecological activity and for some, allergies! Have you ever wondered what pollen is, what it looks like, how it travels through the world and why? As a flower lures a bee you will be drawn into a new realm, as you go on a deep dive into the curious microscopic universe of plant pollen. This larger-than-life production will explore human-plant entanglements, propagating curiosity, growing understanding and cultivating fresh perspectives around the world of pollen. Presented in the Sir Thomas Planetarium’s Cosmic Skydome as part of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha’s celebration of Australian Pollinator Week. This event supports the Gardens’ commitment to creating a plant loving community dedicated to putting the plant back into Planet. This collaborative work combines art, science and sound to create an immersive experience: Featuring imagery by artists donna davis and Jo-Anne Driessens, poetry by Ecologist, Dr Abbey Yatsko and immersive soundscape by sound designer, Luke Lickfold. Q&A special guests
donna davis is a multi-disciplinary artist who plays between science fact and science fiction, and is often embedded within ecological research projects to inspire her practice. Cross-disciplinary collaborations are key to her practice, with her work grounded in science however resolved in speculative ways to tell stories that examine ecological systems and our role within them; exploring ideas around conservation and inter-species relationships to creatively consider ideas around changing landscapes and changing climates. Luke Lickfold is a sound designer, control programmer and interactive systems designer whose work focuses on exploring fresh and unique approaches to interactive system design and sound spatialisation. Luke's work embraces collaboration, with a strong emphasis on the dynamic integration of artistic elements including sound, visuals, robotics, lighting, performance and audience participation. Luke has worked extensively between Brisbane and Tokyo, Japan, with works also exhibited across Australia, China and Europe. Luke has also taught sound and interactive system design at QUT, and works as an audiovisual design and project specialist delivering systems in University and Government spaces across Australia. Abbey Yatsko is an ecologist with a keen interest in trees, insects, and Australian ecosystems. Currently, she works as a research scientist at ArborMeta, where her work focuses on understanding how to best measure and quantify forests in order to value and protect the biodiversity they support. She loves to explore ecology through both experimental methods and creative means, and through pairing science with art she hopes to inspire connections with the natural world. Special thanks to Queensland Herbarium and Biodiversity Science Unit, Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and Queensland Museum. A Pollen Odyssey was originally commissioned by Queensland Museum as part of World Science Festival Brisbane 2026.

Bookings

Book your tickets online For booking and venue enquiries please phone 07 3403 8888 or email bop@brisbane.qld.gov.au. This presentation is suitable for ages 8 and over. Cosmic Skydome shows may contain flashing lights, bright visual effects and fast-moving sequences. All children must be accompanied by an adult while in the Cosmic Skydome.

Venue address

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, 152 Mt Coot-tha Road, Mt Coot-tha