Material Ecologies exchange programme full-time

You will explore the material stories behind objects and artworks. Consider a wooden table: where does the wood come from? From the store to the sawmill, to the forest. Who cut down the tree, and who processed the wood? What were the ecological relationships surrounding that tree? How old was it, and what was the world like when it started growing? And: what happens to the table when it breaks—end of the story, or a new beginning?

In addition, you’ll examine broader ecological systems. How does your work impact human and non-human life? What new connections can you create between materials, technologies, and natural processes?

Hands-on approach

At Material Ecologies, you’ll work hands-on in workshops with materials like wood, clay, or textiles. In the biolab—Material Incubator, you’ll experiment with microorganisms. At the same time, we’ll ask critical questions: What do we consider to be a material? Are organisms like seaweed a material? Can digital data—the bits and bytes—also convey a material narrative? By observing, researching, and working with your hands, you’ll develop practical skills and translate your insights into compelling visual stories. The program emphasises collaboration with the field, as we believe shared knowledge and partnerships are key.