The Regen Art Lab returns for 2024 and this year we’re looking to create a series of three portraits that celebrate individual changemakers within the energy transition. This opportunity is open to artists using any medium. The deadline is Sunday, 21 April.
About the Regen Art Lab
Regen is a mission-driven, not-for-profit centre of energy expertise. By examining the radical steps needed to deliver transformative change across the energy system, we work to drive the path to a net zero energy future.
This transition represents a profound societal transformation – one that brims with captivating narratives, emotions and complexities that are open for artistic exploration. However, the clean energy sector comprises an array of technical, commercial and legal specialisms, and has a tough time communicating outside of its bubble.
By giving artists access to our expert energy sector knowledge, the Art Lab aims to explore and increase the awareness of pivotal energy transition issues through interdisciplinary collaborations. A central ethos is that the final works should not serve as a mouthpiece for Regen’s views, nor the artists’, but provide a balanced view of a complex topic, holding a mirror to society and inviting the viewer to form their own opinions.
Previous residences have produced poetry, graphic design, illustration, animation, sculpture, theatre and sound design.
About this residency
Through storytelling of the adversities and successes of the energy transition so far, the Celebrating Changemakers portrait series will aim to increase awareness of the important work that is happening by putting the spotlight on some of the unsung heroes of the energy transition.
We work with a variety of groups who drive change across the energy industry, whose stories we would like to share with a wider audience. These include:
We are open to working with artists from a range of visual mediums, these could include painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media and illustration.
Residency format
The portrait series will comprise three portraits of a consistent medium and cohesive style. The individuals to be featured will be selected by the artist and Regen, guided by Regen’s networks, internal expertise and the artists’ personal preferences.
The artist will meet the three changemakers in person to take reference images, sketches and conduct an interview. Reflections from these meetings will be published via three blogs alongside the finished portraits, to share the individual’s story and process of creating the portraits in more detail.
Regen will cover all organisational aspects of these sessions and support the artist to conduct the interviews and write the blogs, where needed.
There is some flexibility in timings; however, the 10-week residency will ideally start in early May.
We will share the final works at an event and on Regen’s website.
What we’re looking for
What we’ll provide
Additionally
We are open to applying to Arts Council funding, with the artist, in the first weeks of the residency, to match Regen’s contribution. If successful, we will be able to extend the residency to further develop the works.
We are open to working virtually with an artist from anywhere in the UK. However, Regen is proudly Devon-based, and so we are particularly keen to support artists in the South West of England.
How to apply
Send your application form to Sophie Whinney by the deadline of 9pm on Sunday 21 April 2024.
Next steps
We will let you know if you have been shortlisted after one week. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to have a chat with the Regen Art Lab team as a chance for both parties to ask further questions.
