OPEN CALL: COSMIC DEBRIS GENERATOR

OPEN CALL: COSMIC DEBRIS GENERATOR 

A Residency for Artists & Scientists at Greywood Arts, Killeagh and National Space Centre, Elfordstown, Cork, Ireland. 

Deadline: Monday July 15th 23:59

Incubator: August 18-24, 2024
Making Residency: October 19 - November 20, 2024

Exhibition at SpaceFest: November 15-17, 2024

Stipend: €3,000
Materials/Production Budget: To be Discussed
Travel contribution for international participants:
Self-Catering Accommodation & studio space provided.
Curatorial support provided by Greywood Arts.
Marketing provided by NSC. 

Seeking 3 Collaborators-in-Residence 

1 Ireland based artist, 1 International (EEA/UK/CH) based artist, and 1 person with a science or engineering background (IE/EEA/UK/CH)

Cosmic Debris calls for 3 collaborators from any artistic or scientific background to create an immersive exhibition or experience for SpaceFest. Now in its 4th year, the exhibition will be situated in the round room, under the National Space Centre’s iconic 32-metre Big Dish. The residency is an opportunity to respond to the issue of space debris, or defunct human-made objects in space which no longer serve a useful function. The US Space Surveillance Network reported 25,857 artificial objects in orbit above the Earth in 2022, including 5,465 operational satellites. Collaborators might wish to explore the impact of dead spacecraft left in orbit, the regulation of outer space, and humanity's impact on the universe.We also invite the wonder of the cosmos and inspiration of the night sky into the creative process. Applicants are encouraged to explore innovative ways to engage visitors through interactive installations, multimedia experiences, and immersive storytelling. Past projects have made use of the numerous screens in the round room, and have included interactive sculpture, video installations and an immersive dance performance. 

Structure: 

• August Incubator: August 18-24, 2024. Time in the studios at Greywood Arts will be supplemented by site visits to the NSC (where you will meet the facility staff), Blackrock Castle Observatory, the Crawford Observatory, and arts spaces in Cork. The group will be provided with an ESERO Space Materials kit, and with space industry junk removed from the NSC control room. 

• Through facilitated sessions with Greywood’s Artistic Director, the collaborators will get to know each other's work, begin brainstorming and set objectives for the next phase of the residency. The NSC will use their extensive network to assist participants to connect with any relevant space experts as needed. 

• Participants will return home for two months to do independent research, let ideas percolate and plan for the residency. 

• Making Residency: October 19 - November 20, 2024: The cohort returns to East Cork for an intensive 4-week residency to create an immersive exhibition for Science Week. There is a limited budget for materials and production costs which will be discussed during the incubator. 

The addition of a scientist in residence is new this year. We hope to create an opportunity for a science practitioner to actively participate in the creative direction of the artwork as more than a consultant. We are aware that scientific fields may be less flexible than the arts, so are open to discussing details regarding the residency duration. 

Eligibility: The residency is open to citizens of the EEA (the EU, plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein), Switzerland and the UK. 

Notifications: We aim to notify applicants by Monday 22nd July however this is subject to change if we receive a high volume of applications 

Note: There is some flexibility around residency arrival/departure dates. Stipends are inclusive of VAT. 
 

About SpaceFest:
SpaceFest is an SFI (Science Foundation Ireland) funded Science Week Festival that offers an immersive experience combining creativity with the science of the cosmos. The magic and mystery of the night sky has perpetually motivated curious minds to explore the science behind the workings of the universe; likewise, it has also inspired generations of artists to contemplate the expanse of space and our human place within it. Greywood Arts and the National Space Centre come together to offer 8 days of innovative workshops, talks, tours and exhibitions that bring art and science together to encourage curiosity and foster dialogue around the pivotal role of STEAM in addressing societal issues through the challenges posed by space. In 2024, SpaceFest expands from East Cork into Cork City!