This website use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website
Application: 16th of May - 6th of June 2024
Life between Ebb & Flow:
Mangrove Ecologies
Open Call for Artists from Kenya & Switzerland
Remaining time for application:
Supported through Synergies by
Residency Program: Overview
«Life between Ebb & Flow - Mangrove Ecologies» is a creative residency and research project, which invites selected Kenyan and Swiss artists from various disciplines to collectively explore the topic of mangrove ecologies through experimental research.
The goal of the project is in a first step, to investigate the material, environmental, economic, societal, and cultural relationships associated with mangrove ecologies.
In a second phase, the project explores the intrinsic capacities and agency of mangroves as interconnected beings who adapt, transform and interact, inspiring models for more harmonious and inclusive cohabitation between humans and their environments.
Together with our research partners of Critical Urbanisms at University of Basel and EPFL+ECAL Lab the artists are challenged to engage in innovative visions for the future through intercontinental collaboration at the nexus between art, science, and technology with a social and environmental justice lens.
This Call for Artists has been made possible thanks to the generous support through Synergies by the Swiss Arts Council ProHelvetia.
Research Topic & Impact: Theory of Change
The aim is to critically reflect on «life between ebb and flow» with Kenyan and Swiss artists, challenging preconceptions of progress and sustainability.
Through interdisciplinary exploration of mangroves, we explore alternative life forms in a rapidly changing world.
Mangroves thrive in the border area between land and seascape, embodying a connection between nature, spirituality, and humanity, fostering transformative spaces for exploring relationships between humans and non-humans.
Mangrove ecologies emphasize the importance of interconnectivity, local and alternative knowledge systems and collective action in facing social and environmental vulnerabilities and injustices.
Experimentation, exchange, and collaboration drive an interdisciplinary process fostering shared insights and collective action. Inclusive spaces encourage exploration of innovative approaches, shaped by diverse knowledge and experiences.
Artists and scientific input during design research cultivates a shared understanding of mangrove significance, reshaping human and non-human relationships. Rooted locally but connected globally, this process unveils challenges and potentials in artistic outcomes.
Diverse yet synergistic results invite audiences to engage in shared learning and co-creation. Art and culture serve as vital mediums, translating research into shared values, transcending boundaries. Combined with critical dialogues, interactive design can drive transformative change.
Open Call for Artists
We are looking for artists whose research, work, practice, and portfolio demonstrate a proven willingness to engage in the topic and a keen interest to connect with scientists, practitioners and science/tech partners, as well as other artists.
We welcome artists who work with diverse art mediums and formats (sound and/or visual installations, animation, design, performance, writing, painting, sculptures, scenography, photography etc.).
The project focuses strongly on local and alternative forms of knowledge systems, local approaches to global challenges and equitable collaboration between the global North and South and particularly the communities and ecosystems in Lamu.
Selected artists therefore need to show a strong interest to engage in inter-cultural exchange, show open-mindedness for cultural sensitivities and differences, learn from alternative knowledge systems and engage with social, racial and environmental justice issues.
Project Overview
|
Programm |
|---|
|
Two research trips in Kenya |
|
Regular online workshops with experts on the topic of mangroves, sustainability, innovation and art |
|
Exchange with other artists in an intercultural context |
|
Input from universities and researchers on methodologies for design, research and innovation |
|
International exposure and connections with different art scenes and communities, in particular in Switzerland and Kenya |
|
Launches and presentations of final artistic outputs in Kenya and Switzerland |
|
Compensation | |
|---|---|
|
Stipend |
CHF 3000 |
|
Artists with parental duties |
CHF 500 |
|
Coverage of material costs (in Kind) |
CHF 1000 |
|
Travel and Hospitality |
Covered |
Project Bodies
Initiated through
Kuchanua
fosters cross-continental engagements that shape pathways into a shared future.
Lamu Youth Alliance
promotes active youth participation in sustainable development through capacity building, advocacy and innovation.
Planisphere Ltd
is Network-based Culture Company for Creative Production & Cultural Programming.
Research Partners
Supported by
Questions & Answers
The Residency will take place twice for two weeks in Lamu / Kenya and will be accompanied by bi-monthly meetings throughout the residency.
Depending on whether or not you are a childcare provider, you may be eligible for up to CHF 4,500 for the entire residency program.
Please make sure to read the full artist call carefully where we also outline Intellectual Property, Image and Personal Data Protection rights.
An artist should be able to work process-oriented and collaboratively, and bring a high standard of autonomy and working ethos. Additionally, artists should have a strong interest in inter-cultural exchange and learning from alternative knowledge systems, and show open-mindedness for cultural sensitivities and differences.
Didn't find the Answer you were looking for? Reach out to us directly:
Thank you for getting in touch!
One of our colleagues will get back to you shortly.
Have a great day!