Ruth Beer is a Vancouver-based artist interested in cross-disciplinary approaches to cultural practice. Her artwork that includes sculpture, video, and interactive projections has been shown in national and international exhibitions. She is a member of the RCA and she has been awarded several public art commissions. She is the lead researcher on SSHRC research and creation projects Catch & Release: Mapping cultural and geographic transitions (2009 – 2013), concerned with Pacific coast communities and the demise of the salmon canning industry, and Trading Routes: Grease trails, oil futures (2013 – 2017) addressing issues related to the contested geography and complex changing landscape at the intersection of cultural heritage and the economy of northern British Columbia. Trading Routes looks to provide a forum for dialogue and exchange among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artists to create awareness, reconcile differences and inform artistic practices and the production of artworks and exhibitions illuminating present situations and envisioning change to local culture(s) and geo/marine ecologies related to natural resources (fish and oil) and associated industries in remote regions.