Surprising Benefits of an Artist in Residence Program

Abstract

In 2018 Ocean Networks Canada initiated an Artist in Residence program, despite uncertainties about what to expect and how to best manage it. To our surprise, the announcement call attracted immediate interest from artists around the world. Partnering with the University of Victoria Faculty of Fine Arts, we formed a selection committee who chose our first Artist in Residence. Since then, the program has exceeded our expectations and brought us into the compelling realm of transdisciplinary collaboration between ocean science and the arts. This collaboration is bearing fruit not only through the creation of new artistic works, but also as a venue for hosting conversations that can help bridge disciplinary boundaries across campus and across continents. This presentation will recap our Artist in Residence program and the artists who have been engaged both formally and informally through this initiative, as well as some of the fascinating and diverse work they have produced. We will describe our management processes, outreach efforts and some of the new challenges and opportunities we have encountered along the way. We will also share advice and insights from artists who have engaged in explorations along the Art-Science interface.