The Canary Islands are set to debut Europe's first underwater museum, the Museo Atlantico Lanzarote, led by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Located off Las Coloradas Beach, this EUR 700,000 project will feature cement sculptures modelled after local residents to support marine life and coral growth. Scheduled for completion in two years, the museum will allocate 2% of revenue to ecological research. Despite Taylor's innovative approach to art and environmental conservation, the project faces criticism over its lack of public consultation and funding allocation. Taylor's previous underwater museums in Grenada and Cancun have earned international acclaim, and this initiative aims to blend art with ecological restoration.
The Canary Islands are on the verge of introducing Europe's first underwater museum, a project spearheaded by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Taylor has recently signed an agreement with the Lanzarote government to create this unique museum off Las Colorados Beach, close to the popular tourist area of Playa Blanca. The museum, named Museo Atlantico Lanzarote, will feature cement sculptures modelled after local residents. These artworks aim to foster marine life by providing habitats for various sea creatures and promoting coral growth.
The project is expected to take two years to complete, with an estimated budget of EUR 700,000. In a commitment to environmental conservation, two percent of the museum's revenue will be allocated to ecological research. Taylor, who has a background in scuba diving and underwater photography, aims to address the ongoing decline of coral reefs, which are crucial to marine ecosystems. He believes that his sculptures will serve as ideal foundations for coral colonies to thrive.
While the underwater museum has drawn interest from many, it has also faced criticism. Some local residents and opponents argue that the project was not sufficiently discussed with the public before the contract was signed. They express concerns that the funds allocated to the museum could be better utilised for essential services like healthcare. This has sparked a debate about the priorities of local authorities and the importance of community input in such initiatives.
Taylor is no stranger to underwater art. He opened his first underwater museum in Molinere Bay, Grenada, in 2006, and later established a larger museum called MUSA off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. MUSA is recognized as the world's largest underwater sculpture museum, showcasing 500 of Taylor's sculptures. His work has gained international acclaim for its innovative approach to art and environmental conservation.
The Museo Atlantico Lanzarote aims to attract not only tourists but also marine enthusiasts and researchers. The sculptures are designed to integrate with the natural environment, encouraging the growth of marine flora and fauna. This project could potentially set a precedent for similar initiatives across Europe, promoting the idea of art as a means of ecological restoration.
As the project progresses, it will be essential for the government to address the concerns of local residents and ensure that the benefits of the museum extend to the community. Engaging with the public and considering their feedback could lead to a more successful integration of art, tourism, and environmental conservation in the Canary Islands.
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