Probing the intersections of art, science, and nature, Creative Cosmos is an immersive five-day creative workshop for under-represented young artists aged 16-19.
Led by Somerset House Studios resident, Leila Dear, The programme invites participants to explore the connections between microcosm and macrocosm through collaborative activities, and self-guided work.
Each day unfolds around a theme; Atoms, Flow, Infinity, Body, and Shelter — guiding participants through geometric journeys, exploring tiny particles to the structures we inhabit.
During the 5 days, you will;
receive an introduction to Somerset House and Leila Dear’s practice
explore geometric forms and natural phenomena, making connections between art, science, and nature.
gain insight into how contemporary artists and traditional artisans have drawn inspiration from the natural world to create their decorative languages
collaborate with likeminded creatives while building structures and creating large-scale artworks
deepen your creative practice and personal expression through cross-disciplinary practices
discover how you could pursue a career as an artist
Each day will follow a set structure with time for rest breaks.
On each day, there will be a 1-hour lunch break with lunch provided.
Dates: Monday 17 – Friday 21 February 2025, 5 days (Spring Half Term)
Times: 10.00-16.00
Location: Somerset House, Strand, London
Cost: FREE (travel expenses of up to £15 per day will be covered and lunch will be provided)
Application Deadline: Thursday 09 January 2025, 9am
Further information can be found here: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/inclusive-talent-engagement/future-artists-programme-leila-dear
What will I be doing on the Programme?
Day 1: Atom – Building Blocks
Introduction to Leila’s practice and the themes of the week. The workshop begins by delving into the microcosm with the theme of Atom.
Day 2: Flow – The Dynamics of Movement
Building on the foundations of the previous day, Flow introduces participants to the world of fluid dynamics.
Day 3: Infinite – Patterns Beyond Measure
The theme of Infinite guides participants into the realm of endless patterns and recurring motifs found in nature and mathematics.
Day 4: Body – Geometry of the Human Form
Body focuses on the geometric qualities of the human form. Participants will look at the understanding of human proportions within the art historical canon from Ancient Egypt to Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man.
Day 5: Shelter – Creating Spaces of Reflection
The final day, Shelter, brings the week's themes together as participants collaboratively build a dome structure. This activity emphasises the application of geometric and construction skills to create a functional space.
Who can apply?
This opportunity is for young people ages 16-19 who are interested in craft, design and science who haven’t studied an art subject at university level.
This programme will prioritise people from underrepresented backgrounds*.
Please note, it is important that you can attend all 5 days of the project.
Applicants must be able to travel to Somerset House in Central London daily.
*The Inclusive Talent Engagement team at Somerset House acknowledges that particular people are underrepresented in the creative sector. Particularly those who identify as:
Ethnically diverse and/or Global Majority
Living with a disability
Working class and/or from a lower socio-economic background**
LGBTQIA+ and/or non-binary
We also acknowledge that people face barriers in many ways not mentioned above, including:
Affected by a long-term health condition or impairment .
Affected by homelessness .
Care-leaver/carer .
Unemployed and/or have received welfare benefits .
Migrant or refugee status
**Fair access to working in the arts remains one of the most urgent issues facing the sector today, with those from lower socio-economic backgrounds still vastly underrepresented amongst the artists and employees of UK theatres, festivals, galleries and arts organisations of all kinds. Our team has drawn from Jerwood Arts’ ‘SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE ARTS A TOOLKIT FOR EMPLOYERS’ to define how to determine who falls into this category. We acknowledge this needs work and often, things aren’t always black and white, for now this is the framework we are using to determine this;
Some questions that might help define lower socio-economic background:
Type of school attended at age 11-16
Were you eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)
Did your parents go to university?
Parents occupation when you were aged 14
Did your parents receive income benefits for a long period?
Were your parents unemployed either for long periods of time or intermittently?
