About Where Did All the Animals Go?

Where Did All the Animals Go? is an international art and environmental education project, which gives the gift of drawing and wildlife.

Education is a key component in reversing the biodiversity crisis. Founded in 2019 by Artist, Jane Lee McCracken to share her passions for drawing in Biro (ballpoint pen) and wildlife, and in partnership with international wildlife charity Born Free and a dynamic group of North East teachers and Outreach partners who form the UK, Guyana, California, Kenya and Malaysia Outreach Program Teams, this grassroots project provides, through art and exhibition, environmental education to children and communities in the UK and internationally. Using Jane's medium of choice, the humble Biro, the project gives the opportunity to learn about and draw vulnerable species, nurturing compassion and collective responsibility for wildlife and includes the following key messages: 

  • A call for wider awareness and compassion for wildlife affected by human destruction, and the subsequent impact of wildlife depletion on humanity if we don’t act now.
  • Jane invites us to explore the facts as to why and how species are threatened.
  • Simple key actions are explored to make positive changes for wildlife, both locally and globally
  • Wildlife is something we all share; wildlife has the power to unite us through the need for its conservation.
  • This project provides an opportunity to form connections with vulnerable species
  • Think of the animal you drew and how the world is a better place for its existence
  • Remember, EVERYONE CAN DRAW! 

"By bringing art and environmental education to schools and the community, this project not only gives the gift of drawing and wildlife to children and adults but also provides the opportunity for participants to become environmental brokers and cultural ambassadors." Jane Lee McCracken

The project is part of Born Free Creative Nature Programme here. Other collaborations include the Art & Nature FestivalLaguna Art Museum. 

GALLERIES

The following galleries showcase Where Did All the Animals Go? project including the 2021 exhibition at Great North Museum: Hancock, 2019 pilot exhibition at Thought Foundation, Gateshead, England and the Endangered Species Conferences:

2021 EXHIBITION

2021 GALLERY 

2021 ENDANGERED SPECIES CONFERENCE

2019 EXHIBITION

2019 GALLERY

2019 ENDANGERED SPECIES CONFERENCE

WDATAG? SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

MURMURATIONS AT BALTIC

MEET THE WDATAG? TEAM

 

EVENTS

Where Did All the Animals Go? exhibition is on permanent display at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne from July 2021. The Endangered Species Conference held in conjunction with the exhibition on 2 July 2021 is available to view here. WATCH THE EXHIBITION VIDEO:


GET CREATIVE OUTDOORS: This summer Born Free is partnering with Jane for Get Creative Outdoors, supported by the BBC, to invite you to try art in the open air! If you’re looking for something creative to do with kids this summer, take a look at WDATAG? activity here and other FREE activities here.

GALLERIES

 
WILD POSTCARD GALLERY: To submit drawings for the project's online Wild Postcard Gallery visit the gallery for details here