Boots on the moon is a public art installation on the surface of the moon promoting inclusion, diversity and peace as a core objective in human endeavor towards new frontiers.

In 1967, international space-faring nations anticipated a future when geopolitics might influence our motivations, actions and activities in space. Through their foresight, they drafted The Outer Space Treaty, and committed to a peaceful and scientific approach to space exploration. 53 years later, unanticipated developments are challenging the limitations of this treaty. Meanwhile, space exploration is still closely linked to national pride and identity.  

Consistent with national pride is the connection to military strength that space language and imagery can evoke. Because early achievements in space were the result of geopolitical rivalry during the Cold War, the origins of space technology are deeply rooted in military operations. Today, however, led by the decades-long collaboration on the International Space Station (ISS), a relationship on the brink of mutually assured destruction found a way to become a remarkable example of trust-building and peacemaking. 

This inclusive and egalitarian message is at risk at a critical moment in our shifting global landscape. Rising nationalism around the world, accompanied by rhetoric of military dominance, isolationism and manifest destiny, would make space a domain for war-fighting and competition. This is exemplified by the increasing military activities in space. Because of the wide-reaching and potentially devastating impacts of space weaponry, we believe that this is one of the greatest risks to future peacebuilding. 

However, it is also a unique opportunity to propose a bold vision for enduring, international peace. Building on the legacy of the ISS, international partners are again aligning around a shared goal. We see an opportunity to bring awareness to a highly engaged international audience. The largest coalition in the history of space exploration is signing on to the Artemis Accords to support NASA’s goal of returning “boots to the moon” by 2024. We can build on the mission’s promise to land the first female astronaut on the moon by proposing a more complete vision of diversity. International coalitions that lift women's voices are essential to a peaceful future, as it is important to have representation from different nationalities, age groups, professions and creeds.

To achieve and maintain peace, we must approach new frontiers with an inclusive, sustainable and peaceful intent. We propose communicating that intention by making the first mission back to the moon one that represents and celebrates all people. In our vision of “boots on the moon,” people from every corner of the world, and all walks of life, are participants in this shared future.

We envision, rather than deploying combat boots at the landing site, instead an installation that represents the underlying principles of the Outer Space Treaty. Public art is an inclusive and engaging medium for bringing awareness to the public around important issues. The peace sign is an internationally recognized symbol. Made of boots and shoes representing and celebrating the diversity of humankind, this ambitious vision of public art could capture the imagination of people around the world. Most importantly, it would serve as a shared promise for a long-term vision of peaceful collaboration.

This work was first created in response to the “Futuring Peace” call for “speculative pieces on conflict prevention, peace mediation, and peacebuilding.”