UCSB Arts & Lectures will present wildlife photographer Joel Sartore’s National Geographic Live! multimedia program Building the Photo Ark, 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at UCSB Campbell Hall.
Visitors can view Sartore’s intimate portraits of the world’s wild, weird and wonderful menagerie, and learn about the inspiration, comical mishaps and endearing encounters behind his mission to change the world, one photo — and one species — at a time.
Sartore believes in the power of a portrait to change the world. He leads the National Geographic Photo Ark project, a multiyear initiative to document every living species in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries before it’s too late.
By giving viewers the opportunity to look these animals in the eye, Sartore hopes to inspire action through education and help save at-risk species from extinction while there’s still time.
To date, Sartore has photographed more than 9,500 of an estimated 12,000 species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, from the massive African elephant to the tiniest bumblebee. Once completed, Photo Ark will serve as a record of each animal’s existence and testament to the importance of saving them.
The Photo Ark’s three-pronged approach harnesses the power of National Geographic’s photography and the bold ideas of its explorers. The project aims to document every species in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, inspire action through education and help save wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts.
Sartore started the Photo Ark in his hometown of Lincoln, Neb., more than a decade ago. Since then, he has visited 40 countries in his quest to create a photo archive of global biodiversity.
“It is folly to think that we can destroy one species and ecosystem after another and not affect humanity,” Sartore said. “When we save species, we’re actually saving ourselves.”
No matter its size, each animal is treated with the same amount of affection and respect. “It’s the eye contact that moves people,” Sartore said. “It engages their feelings of compassion and a desire to help.”
Sartore’s program is presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures, through the generosity of Crystal & Clifford Wyatt and an anonymous patron. Media sponsor is the Santa Barbara Independent.
Tickets are $25 for the general public and $15 for UCSB students and youth (18 and under; valid student ID required).
For tickets or more information, call UCSB Arts & Lectures, 805-893-3535 or buy online at www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu.
UCSB Arts & Lectures acknowledges its community partners the Natalie Orfalea Foundation & Lou Buglioli, and corporate season sponsor SAGE Publishing for their support of the 2019-20 season.
— Caitlin O’Hara for UCSB Arts & Lectures.