The world is full of hidden wonders
Oceans that sing in frequencies we cannot hear. Forests that awaken before sunrise. Ecosystems that communicate in languages science is beginning to understand.
OCEANS21 makes these worlds perceptible - with all senses.
Projects
OCEANS21 -
Giving Nature a Voice
We create immersive experiences that make the hidden dimensions of our natural world perceptible – in large-scale installations, digital formats and formats the subject demands, even if they don't exist yet.
Our productions are developed in close collaboration with internationally acclaimed artists, sound researchers, scientists and creative technology wizards – from concept to realisation.
Alongside our sound and light installations, we have produced award-winning virtual reality installations shown at leading cultural institutions worldwide: Gasometer Oberhausen, Hamburger Bahnhof, ZKM Karlsruhe, Centre Phi in Montreal, Eye Filmmuseum Amsterdam and Ars Electronica Linz.
Global Sunrise -
immersive installation
Global Sunrise
Jungles, forests and woodlands all around the world have their own special and signature voices, a chorus of songs that ring out from the canopy each sunrise; the dawn chorus.
At any one moment in time there is a dawn chorus developing amongst trees somewhere on the planet. In the half light, just before the sun rises, a silver tide of song is continuously circling the world.
„Global Sunrise“ takes the audience on a journey through trees with the rising sun across the six forested continents.
20/03/2026 - 30/12/2026
Gasometer Oberhausen
A planetary moment inside an industrial monument.
We are delighted to present „Global Sunrise“ as one of the highlights of the new exhibition „Mythos Wald“ at the iconic Gasometer Oberhausen. Once the largest gasometer in Europe, it is now one of the continent’s most extraordinary exhibition venues. Here, in the sound space specially constructed for the installation, visitors enter a sensory landscape in which sound, light and space merge into a universal dawn.
About us
OCEANS21 -
the Studio
Diana Schniedermeier and Ina Krüger are the founders of OCEANS21 - an interdisciplinary studio working at the intersection of science, art and ecological exploration.
We develop immersive audiovisual experiences, research-driven narratives and large-scale installations that make the hidden dynamics of Earth’s ecosystems visible and emotionally accessible.
While our work is rooted in ocean research and conservation, we approach the planet as an interconnected system — where forests, climate, biodiversity and human impact are deeply entangled.
Our goal is to translate complex scientific knowledge into powerful sensory experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility and change.
Our productions are shown worldwide in renowned cultural institutions such as the Gasometer Oberhausen, Hamburger Bahnhof - Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart, Akademie der Künste or Palais Populaire in Berlin, Centre Phi in Montreal, ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam or Ars Electronica in Linz.
Consulting
Shaping digital transformation in culture and media
Digital transformation poses challenges for all areas of social life. Professionally, we have been meeting this challenge in a wide range of industries since the introduction of the Internet. Digital transformation is therefore much more than just buzzwords for us; we know how comprehensive even seemingly small changes can be. We bring proven competence, openness, scientific rigor and a realistic view for creative opportunities and risks to any project. And a consultancy that never sees itself as a "collection of well-meant advice", but rather as a meaningful dovetailing of concept and implementation.
Contact
Awards
Our work so far
Our work has received many awards. Here is a selection of the prizes we have won together with the Interactive Media Foundation, Filmtank and Artificial Rome in recent years.
1xGrand Prix
6xGold
3xSilver
6xBronce
2xGold
1xBest of Best
3xWinner
1xGold
1xGold
1xGold
1xFinalist
1xBronce
1xSpecial Jury Mention
1xWinner
Partners
When cooperation makes waves
Our projects are the result of cooperation between experts from very different disciplines. We believe that this is the key to exciting and successful projects: Different perspectives and approaches create new meaningful insights and lead to groundbreaking projects. Not always the easiest way, but one that also rewards us all with new insights and knowledge.
Please contact us
You or your organisation would like to contribute to the success of our projects? With expert knowledge, financial resources or distribution? We are looking forward to talk to you.
A big THANK YOU
Working in collaboration is critical for the success of our work – we are greatful for our partners and collaborators, and everyone who have made the journey with us over the years. Thank you!
