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Friends of SPRI/HMS PROTECTOR Artists in Antarctica Programme
Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI), University of Cambridge
Sponsored by Bonhams
Introduction
Applications are invited for an artist to join HMS PROTECTOR for a three to four week placement during the Antarctic summer season (February/March 2013 (precise dates tbc)).
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work as the resident artist on board HMS PROTECTOR. Applications in the form of a curriculum vitae with a covering letter and sample of previous work (no more than five items) with the names and addresses of two referees, should be sent to Mrs Celene Pickard, Scott Polar Research Institute, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1ER, email: friendspa@spri.cam.ac.uk.
Closing date: 12 November 2012. Interview date: 21 November 2012.
Criteria for participation
One place is available for a three to four week placement on board HMS PROTECTOR during the Antarctic summer season (February/March) of 2013 for the successful applicant. Suitable applicants will need to demonstrate that they have already produced a serious body of work, which may have been recognised by honours, awards or appointments to academic or professional positions. The programme will not accept applications from students. At present only UK nationals over the age of 18 may apply.
Applicants will need to provide a clear plan explaining why a visit to Antarctica (which may include the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Shetland Islands and the South Sandwich Islands depending upon the ship's work period) is essential and what outcomes they envisage. They will need to identify and define the audience they believe their works will attract and interest, and how they intend to reach them. The size of the audience is not necessarily the key factor as projects may be able to define small but important groups not previously exposed to Antarctica. An international audience would be in keeping with the ethos of the Antarctic. The application will not be considered adequate unless the applicant can show an active collaboration with galleries or similar organisations appropriate to the genre to support access to the audiences. The application, including CV, should be no longer than eight sides of A4, mimimum 11 point font.
HMS PROTECTOR can accommodate artists working in traditional media only. You will be expected to supply your own working materials and equipment and will need to arrange to carry this as part of their luggage allowance during transit to and from the ship. All successful applicants will need to satisfy the Royal Navy that they are medically fit before being accepted. The Navy will need to be aware of any medical conditions and long term medication, which may preclude embarkation – e.g. epilepsy, coronary issues, diabetes, previous cold weather injuries and so on. All medical information disclosed would be dealt within the strictest confidence by the ship's GP.
How to apply for the Artists Programme
Applications
To apply you must send a letter of application and attach your CV. This application should not exceed eight sides of A4, minimum 11 point font. The application must be accompanied by whatever examples of previous work you wish the selection panel to use in considering your case (electronic copies are acceptable). Providing copies of correspondence showing commitments by publishers, galleries etc. to supporting the dissemination of your output after you return is essential.
Given the long lead times for planning and carrying out work in Antarctica, and the uncertainty of access, applicants will need to be very flexible in their planning. Artists supported by the programme scheme will need to follow the command structure on HMS PROTECTOR, and comply with UK legislation regarding Health and Safety wherever possible. Environmental impacts may also need to be specially considered for some types of projects.
Detailed enquiries can be addressed to Mrs Celene Pickard (e-mail: friendspa@spri.cam.ac.uk). Please note that the Programme can only support visits within the normal working area of PROTECTOR operations, which correspond mainly with British Antarctic Territory. Under the Antarctic Act 1994 all British nationals entering Antarctica need to have a permit from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; application for this will be made through the Royal Navy. Any applications to work at South Georgia will also require a permit from the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, which will be applied for by the Royal Navy on behalf of successful applicant.
The deadline for completed applications is Monday, 12 November 2012. No additional material can be added to an application after this date. All material sent in support of an application will be returned only if this is requested. Applications should be addressed to Mrs Celene Pickard, Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1ER.
Hints for applicants
Please note that the competition is not open to photographers.
If any series of works needs to be viewed in a particular order please make this clear and number them appropriately. Supporting material can be sent on CD and DVD.
Please ensure that all material is labelled with your name and make it clear if you wish it to be returned.
Evaluation of applications
The assessment of applications will be on a competitive basis by an independent review panel who will make recommendations to the Friends of SPRI. Assessment will take place in mid November and the results will be communicated as soon as possible thereafter. The decision by the panel is final.
In assessing applications the panel will be requested to consider:
- The capabilities, professional reputation and track record of the applicant.
- The originality and innovation of the approach.
- The relevance to scientific, cultural or historical research.
- The feasibility of the proposed outcome.
- The potential for a significant audience and the efforts made to reach it.
Support for successful applicants
Courtesy of generous sponsorship from Bonhams, the internationally known fine-art auctioneers and valuers, the Friends of SPRI will provide travel funds and on board costs for the successful applicant to reach the ship or the connecting port. This will involve flying by a commercial airline for which tickets will be booked by the Friends of SPRI. Up to £200 will be available to cover travel within the UK, on production of valid receipts.
As insurance cover is not provided by the Royal Navy or the Friends of SPRI, you should take out your own insurance prior to departure to the Antarctic. Please note that this should cover any equipment and personal effects and any particular activities, such as helicopter flights and transiting Antarctica.
The Royal Navy will not be able to provide polar clothing; however, most visitors prefer to supply their own as it is lighter, less bulky and warmer. All travel and accommodation within the Antarctic will by met by HMS PROTECTOR; subsistence will be met by the Friends of SPRI.
Every effort will be made to provide all the necessary support for the successful participant but the Antarctic visitor must accept that the primary purpose of the logistics is to enable and support the scientific research and supply programmes. Operational requirements of these programmes and weather conditions may unfortunately limit opportunities for the visitor at some times. There may therefore be only a limited number of landings in the Antarctic.
The costs of completing the work and publishing or exhibiting it will be the responsibility of the successful applicant. There is potential for a temporary exhibition at the Institute, if the artwork is appropriate and if there is space in the schedule. The author or originator of any work resulting from this programme will retain full copyright over the work but the successful applicant will be required to enter into an agreement with the Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute to:
- provide a report on their project to SPRI on completion of the Antarctic visit
- deposit a copy of any printed or published work with SPRI
- provide a gift of one original artwork or (for print-makers) a limited edition print to be held in the permanent collections at SPRI
- provide a small gift of one original artwork to be donated to the Friends of SPRI for charitable fundraising purposes
- provide a small gift of one original artwork to be donated to the Royal Navy
- agree to the educational use of artistic material from the project without special permission but with full acknowledgement
- agree to acknowledge the Scott Polar Research Institute, the Friends of SPRI, Bonhams and the Royal Navy in all credits and promotional material for any instance where artwork arising from the residency is exhibited or published
- make images and artworks available for use on board in support of PROTECTOR's work in the Antarctic.
For further information, please see details of our previous winners.