EMBracing the Ocean: Artist-in-Residence Programme 2026–2027

The European Marine Board (EMB) invites global artists and creative groups to apply for the 2026–2027 EMBracing the Ocean artist-in-residence programme. Two selected awardees will each receive €10,000 for a 12-month mostly remote residency focused on co-creating work with marine scientists to raise ocean awareness, promote sustainability, and generate new scientific insights.

What Is EMBracing the Ocean?

EMBracing the Ocean is an international artist-in-residence programme led by the European Marine Board (EMB).

The programme supports art–science co-creation to:

Raise societal awareness of the Ocean
Inspire sustainable behaviours
Contribute fresh perspectives to marine science

Artists and scientists collaborate as equal partners to develop creative work that communicates complex ocean science and stimulates new ways of thinking.

Why the Ocean Is the Focus

The Ocean is central to life on Earth:

Covers 70% of the Earth’s surface
Represents 95% of the biosphere by volume
Regulates global climate systems
Absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide and heat
Provides renewable energy, food, medicine, recreation, and coastal protection

Ocean sustainability depends on maintaining:

Physical and chemical balance
Healthy marine ecosystems
Sustainable human activities

However, the Ocean faces major threats:

Marine pollution
Overfishing
Climate change
Biodiversity loss

Solutions include ecosystem restoration, pollution reduction, sustainable resource management, and strengthening emotional and cultural connections to the Ocean.

Core Principle: Co-Creation Between Artists and Scientists

A defining feature of EMBracing the Ocean is collaborative co-creation.

Key elements include:

Artists and scientists work as equal partners
Exchange and reshaping of ideas
Mutual learning and knowledge development
Creative interpretation of scientific research

The goal is not only public engagement but also generating new insights for researchers through artistic perspectives.

What Is Offered?

Two awardees will be selected.

Each selected artist or group receives:

€10,000 grant
12-month residency period
Periodic payments based on deliverables

What the Grant Can Cover

The funding may be used for:

Artist fees
Materials and production costs
Travel expenses
Promotional materials
Transport of artwork
Compensation for collaborating scientists

Applicants must include a provisional budget in their submission.

Residency Format

Duration: 12 months
Format: Primarily remote
May include:
- Visits to collaborating researchers
- Participation in relevant events

If co-funding is secured:

It must be clearly indicated
Additional co-funded activities must complement the core EMBracing the Ocean project

Who Is Eligible?

The programme welcomes:

Individual artists
Creative groups or collectives
Applicants from any country

Eligible Disciplines

Applications are accepted from a broad range of artistic practices, including:

Visual arts
Literary arts
Performing arts
Traditional or Indigenous arts
Interdisciplinary and experimental practices

Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply.

Desirable Experience

While not mandatory, the following are advantageous:

Prior collaboration with scientists
Community-based co-creation experience
Work related to Ocean, marine science, or sustainability themes

Why This Programme Matters

EMBracing the Ocean:

Strengthens art–science collaboration
Promotes ocean literacy and sustainability
Encourages emotional and cultural connections to marine environments
Supports interdisciplinary innovation
Contributes creative insights to marine research

By integrating creativity and marine science, the programme helps address global ocean challenges through communication, empathy, and collaboration.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop a Collaborative Concept

Your proposal should:

Focus on ocean sustainability or marine science
Demonstrate co-creation with scientists
Explain how artistic practice contributes new perspectives
Highlight societal impact and public engagement

Step 2: Identify Scientific Collaboration

Outline:

Proposed collaborating researchers or institutions
How collaboration will function
Expected exchange of knowledge

Step 3: Prepare a Provisional Budget

Include:

Artist fees
Materials
Travel (if applicable)
Compensation for scientific collaborators
Promotion and dissemination costs

Clearly indicate any co-funding and explain how it complements the project.

Step 4: Demonstrate Feasibility

Provide:

Timeline (12 months)
Clear deliverables
Communication and outreach plan

Step 5: Submit Application

Complete the official application according to EMB guidelines within the stated deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Proposing a project without meaningful scientific collaboration
Treating scientists as advisors rather than equal partners
Submitting vague sustainability concepts without clear outcomes
Providing incomplete budgets
Failing to explain societal impact

Strong applications clearly integrate artistic vision, scientific collaboration, and measurable impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many artists are selected?

Two awardees are selected for the 2026–2027 residency.

2. What is the grant amount?

Each selected artist or group receives €10,000.

3. Is the residency fully remote?

It is primarily remote but may include visits to collaborating researchers and participation in events.

4. Who can apply?

Creative individuals or groups from any country and across various artistic disciplines.

5. Is prior experience with scientists required?

Not mandatory, but prior co-creation experience is considered desirable.

6. Can Indigenous or traditional art forms be included?

Yes. The programme welcomes traditional and Indigenous artistic practices.

7. Can additional funding be used?

Yes, but co-funding must be clearly declared and should complement the core EMBracing the Ocean project.

Conclusion

The EMBracing the Ocean Artist-in-Residence Programme 2026–2027 offers a unique opportunity for artists worldwide to collaborate with marine scientists and contribute creatively to ocean sustainability.

With €10,000 in funding, a 12-month collaborative framework, and global visibility, the programme supports interdisciplinary innovation that connects science, art, and society.

For artists committed to sustainability, marine awareness, and creative co-creation, this residency provides both financial support and meaningful scientific engagement.