At the World Economic Forum’s 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025—known as Summer Davos—Dutch ecological artist Thijs Biersteker is showcasing “Fungal Faculty” in north China’s Tianjin Municipality from June 24 to 26.
Using immersive sculptures, Biersteker transforms raw environmental data into experiences you can feel. “Most important right now in the world is there’s a lot of data on how the environment is doing. There’s a lot of solutions, but people do not understand what’s happening and also what the data means,” he told CGTN. “So what I do is I bring alive the data into these sculptures that make people feel the data.”
By combining art and science, “Fungal Faculty” invites young global citizens, tech enthusiasts, and changemakers to explore the emotional side of climate challenges. In a forum driven by policy debates and business strategies, this project adds a human pulse to numbers and charts—reminding us that behind every data point is a story worth experiencing.
As digital nomads and travelers look for new ways to connect with sustainability, Biersteker’s work shows how art can bridge the gap between cold facts and real-world impact—sparking curiosity and conversation across cultures.
Reference(s):
Artist at Summer Davos: Turning climate data into public emotion
cgtn.com
