Hosting an artist residency in a scientific research institute

This research was conducted by Boram Lee, Ian Fillis and Kim Lehman at the University of Stirling, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Tasmania, Australia.

Summary

This paper outlines the impact of an artist residency and exhibition at an aquaculture institute in Scotland. It goes on to highlight the opportunities and challenges created for the artist, the curator, researchers, students and visitors. The authors of the paper collected data by interviewing and surveying people involved in the exhibition, especially students and staff at the institute. They reveal that the residency provided an opportunity for the artist to innovate her practice and to take risks. Audience feedback revealed that the exhibition generated an aesthetic response from visitors who were stimulated by the creativity of the work. They were also emotionally affected: feeling happy, amused or fulfilled by the artwork. The paper concludes that 'artist residencies, if planned thoughtfully, have the potential to create an innovative and creative culture on campus and beyond'.

The artist immersed herself in the life of the institute

They enrolled on a year-long master's programme allowing them to attended lectures, seminars, laboratory classes and field-study trips. The residency ultimately explored the topic of fish farming.

The exercise faced a number of challenges

It was a risky exercise for the artist, the curator and the institute, not knowing what the output or outcome would be. 'The curator found installing the exhibition challenging'. The residency raised the profile of the institute and university more widely. The exhibition opening was 'well-attended by the public, having a discernible "buzz"'. There were 'difficulties faced by the artist in terms of the lack of time from academics and financial support'. The authors of the paper acknowledge that their results are based on a single case study and encourage others to conduct further research into the impacts of artist residencies elsewhere.