Wilderness Commons

Wilderness Commons

The call-out to Artists:

We are living in the Anthropocene, a new era of the earth becoming less habitable. As our separation from nature keeps increasing, nature is often seen as merely as a scenic backdrop, adopting a passive stance.

In our collective pursuit of solutions to climate change, the growing separation from nature calls for a change in our relationship with the natural world. While spending time in nature has long been associated with relaxation and calmness, what if we go beyond passive enjoyment and actively perceive flora, fauna and landscape itself as living beings?

Ritual and nature have been deeply interconnected throughout history, reflecting the profound relationship between human societies and their natural environments. From Seasonal celebrations, to harvest festivals, animism and healing practices in various cultures, rituals were integral to expressing reverence, gratitude, and a sense of interconnectedness with the natural world.

This exhibition explores what a modern ritual can look like and what alternative ways of engagement there are. This shift in our approach holds the potential to deepen our connection with the environment, fostering a symbiotic relationship that transcends conventional notions of nature as a passive backdrop.

Through a diverse array of artistic expressions and public programming, this exhibition aims to inspire and nurture ideas about exchanges and dialogues between humanity and the environment.

To submit your work: please email the Curator wilderness@fringeartsbath.co.uk including:

• NB: please include the exhibition / project name in the email title.

• max 200 words about your work and how it fits the call-out (written, audio file, video or another way to suit you).

• some images of the work, or links to video / performance work (or existing work if it hasn’t been made yet).

• any relevant links, if you have them (though it’s not a requirement and Curators might not have the capacity to visit them all).

• of course please include any questions you have.

• you might not hear back from Curators until after the deadline, thank you for your patience.

Submission deadline: Friday 12th April at 23h59 GMT

• Media accepted: All mediums

• Free submission. All are welcome to apply, of any age, status, and from anywhere in the world.

• If selected, we ask Artists for a £22 contribution (like crowdfunding) and/or to give some of their time, as we are all volunteers. Please read our FAQs here to find out more.

• See all 20 projects open to submissions on our home page: fringeartsbath.co.uk

Fringe Arts Bath Festival will take place 24 May to 9 June 2024

Curated by Nia Manoylo (Oni/ih studio)

I am a writer and researcher based in London, interested in exploring alternative ways of engaging with the natural world.

In my work, I draw inspiration from Queer Ecology, a philosophical framework that advocates for a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between human and non-human entities. By fostering a vision of more harmonious coexistence within the broader ecological landscape, it allows me to explore and contribute to the intersection of art, culture, and design.

insta @oni_ih_studio