Rachel Lambert joins the Environment and Sustainability Institute as Artist-in-Residence
Cornwall-based artist Rachel Lambert will begin a new residency at the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) this April, where she will explore themes of ecology, sustainability and human relationships with the natural world.
An emerging artist with a background as a foraging guide and award-winning author on wild food and cooking, Rachel’s passion for celebrating common and often overlooked plants is central to her work. Using traditional techniques, some of which are on the UK Red List of Crafts at Risk, she develops new creative approaches that remind us of our rich ancestry and symbiotic relationship with plants.
Rachel has previously collaborated with the University through the Business School’s Evolve Futures programme, working with Dr Louise Venables and Newlyn Fermentary on the Dandelion Project.
During her artist residency at the ESI, Rachel will be invited to immerse herself in research and development, experimenting and developing new ideas in dialogue with research emerging from the institute. She will meet with researchers, take part in site tours and lab visits, attend seminars, and explore project archives to inform the creation of one or more outputs, which will be shared towards the end of the residency.
Rachel said: “I’m so looking forward to having dedicated time and space to create, converse, get inspired, be wowed by the expertise, knowledge and passion for the natural world and be part of meaningful collaborations that strengthen our communication about sustainability and what that can look like in action.”
She will be based in the Creative Exchange Studio within the ESI with the residency aiming to provide time, space and inspiration to explore new approaches to creative practice within an interdisciplinary university research context.
Sarah Ashton, Environment and Sustainability Institute Manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rachel as ESI’s inaugural Artist in Residence. Since opening in 2013, ESI has built a strong track record of interdisciplinary collaboration, working with more than 70 creative practitioners through our Creative Exchange programme to explore how artistic perspectives can enrich scientific research, and vice versa.
“This residency builds on that foundation, recognising the value that creative practice brings to scientific insight, communication, and innovation, while offering our resident artist a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment.”
The residency is a partnership between Arts and Culture, University of Exeter, and Creative Kernow Associates (CKA), part of Creative Kernow, which champions creativity as a force for positive change in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The CKA programme offers support to artists including resources, newsletters, free events and access to opportunities to develop creative practice.
Anna Harris, Creative Kernow Associates Manager, said: “This collaboration has been a great example of how partnerships between arts organisations and universities and research institutions can create meaningful opportunities for artists in the region.
“Working with the Arts & Culture team and the Environment & Sustainability Institute will open up access to cutting-edge research and ideas in a way that is otherwise difficult for artists in the region to access and will continue to positively impact Rachel’s work long after the residency ends.”
Annie Sheen, Programme Manager for the University’s Arts and Culture team in Cornwall, added: “This residency signals our shared commitment to embedding creativity at the heart of how academic knowledge is generated and shared. Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and we can’t wait to see what new possibilities emerge through her residency at the Institute.”
To follow progress of the residency, visit the Arts & Culture website.
