A new creative project that sees arts organisation ‘identity on tyne’ partner with five National Parks in the north of England has launched a call for applications.
The Black Nature in Residence Programme is a unique, ambitious and ground-breaking project that will consist of five residencies for creatives of the Global Majority in each of the Northumberland, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and Lake District National Parks. This Black-led project will contribute to the changing narrative around who has a right to have a connection with nature and add more diverse voices to discussions around the climate crisis facing society today.
With funding from Arts Council England, this Black-led programme is an exciting opportunity for creatives of the Global Majority within the northern regions to be in residence within nature for one year.
Dr. Sheree Mack, Project Coordinator of identity on tyne, said:
“The Black Nature in Residence Programme has been many years in the making and has already been piloted during the pandemic. We’re now ready to expand our efforts after recognising the lack of space for reflection, creativity and sharing stories and ideas around the natural environment for diverse communities. We’ve seen a growing demand for more creative opportunities for people of the Global Majority as we reconnect with nature on our own terms.
“Our vision is to bring more people from diverse backgrounds together to create and enjoy culture and nature. There is power and inspiration in seeing someone who looks like you in leadership roles within the cultural and creative industries, and this changes perceptions and narratives around who has a right to do these things within society as a whole.”
The Black Nature in Residence programme is an opportunity for People of the Global Majority(PGM) and who are creatives of any discipline to spend time within their chosen National Park and explore their relationship with the British countryside. The brief is purposefully left open to encourage creatives to pursue their own interests and ideas around nature, engage with local communities and connect with regional audiences over the given timeframe.
Heather McNiff, Head of Outdoor Learning and Engagement at the North York Moors National Park, said:
“It is our ambition that the North York Moors is a place where creativity thrives for the benefit of the environment, communities, and the nation. Alongside that is our commitment to address the barriers that limit access to our glorious landscapes or constrain the diversity of people of who are able spend time in nature.
“The Black Nature in Residence Programme will see these two areas collide in a burst of originality and imagination, opening up new creative avenues and provoking important conversations.”
Each residency will be self-designed, allowing creatives to build closer links between themselves, the National Park and the diverse communities they serve. The project team welcomes applications from creatives who are inspired by the landscapes and seascapes of the north and would appreciate the time and space to respond authentically to the protected nature of these National Parks.
This is the second presentation of this programme, as The Black Nature in Residence Programme ran from 2019-21 solely in the North-East region. Now the programming is expanding and would love to showcase new ideas, work and creations.
To download the full creative in residence job description with details about how to apply please visit www.blacknatureinresidence.com
If you have any questions or enquiries, please direct them to Dr. Sheree Mack at idenityontyne@gmail.com
