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Art Scene Mapping & Research Part 1
Art-Scene Mapping Lab (Part 1)Mapping the Invisible Structures of the UK Arts Ecosystem
About the Project
Art-Scene Mapping Lab is a peer-led, collaborative research programme exploring the interconnected networks of the UK visual arts ecosystem—including institutions, artist-led initiatives, residency programmes, funding structures, and cultural policy.
Over five sessions, participants will move beyond isolated case studies to examine how these structures interact. Through presentations, discussions, and shared insights, the cohort will collectively build a research archive and co-create an interactive ecosystem map of today's contemporary art landscape.
Who We're Looking For
- Artists, curators, researchers, writers, arts administrators, cultural producers, and students eager to analyze the art world’s underlying structures.
- Practitioners interested in investigating a specific case study, organisation, funding model, or systemic issue rather than focusing on individual artistic practice.
- Active contributors ready to participate in a peer-led learning community. No complete or academic research is required—a keen curiosity and a desire to investigate a chosen topic together is what matters most.
What You’ll Gain
- Systemic Insight: A broader, interconnected understanding of how the UK contemporary arts landscape operates.
- Institutional Literacy: Practical knowledge of how organisations, funding bodies, and cultural policies interact.
- Shared Assets: Full access to a collective research archive, resources, and discussion materials generated throughout the programme.
- Peer Network: Meaningful connections with a collaborative cohort of diverse cultural practitioners.
What You'll Do
During the 5-week programme, participants will:
- Participate in weekly collaborative research sessions and group discussions.
- Present one research case study or topic of interest to receive feedback from the peer cohort.
- Contribute to a collective ecosystem map by tracing the invisible relationships between arts organisations, funding streams, and cultural networks.
Programme Information
- Orientation: Wednesday, 22 July 2026
- Session 1: Wednesday, 5 August 2026
- Session 2: Wednesday, 19 August 2026
- Session 3: Wednesday, 2 September 2026
- Session 4: Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Participants: 8–10 people
Format: Weekly collaborative research sessions featuring two participant-led case study presentations, followed by group discussion.
Venue: Chisenhale Art Place
Completing this application form will take approximately 5–10 minutes.
We look forward to meeting people who are excited to explore the contemporary art ecosystem, learn from one another, and collectively map the structures and relationships that shape today's visual arts landscape.