The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) announces a new first-of-its-kind Artist Residency in the field of Space Policy.
Applications are now closed.
ESPI, in collaboration with S+T+ARTS with funding from the EU Commission, is inviting artists to respond to the S+T+ARTS EC(H)O Residency Program Challenge #4: “European Space Policy in the Age of Sustainability”.
Opportunity Statement
Competition, between states and private entities, is on the rise. If Europe is to increase its existing exploration program including the areas of low-Earth orbit space stations, human presence on the Moon and Mars or even the search for life in the universe, how does it differentiate itself from other global space powers? This residency aims to explore opportunities to harness the technologies developed for these space activities and apply them for the benefit of people and planet Earth itself.
Description
In light of the upcoming increased access for humans in outer space around our planet and the intensification of space exploration in our solar system, at ESPI, the foremost challenge lies in elevating space exploration in the eyes of policymakers and illustrating how space technologies can contribute to solving pressing societal and environmental challenges.
With the imminent launch of the ESPI Centre for Excellence for Space and Sustainability (CESS) in late-2024, artists will have unparalleled resources and opportunities to explore the intersection between European space policy and climate action, as well as sustainability initiatives. Moreover, the residency will delve into how these synergies can drive the triple transition impact—Digital, Green, and Social—by leveraging sustainable and human-centered technologies.
The residency encourages independent critical thought and artistic expression, focusing on the interplay between policy and society amidst advancements in European space exploration, particularly in bio and life sciences and medical technology. Through this initiative, the development of an inspirational and thought-provoking body of work will contribute to vital dialogues within the space community, policymaking circles, and broader society, fostering discussions on technology, society, and sustainability.
Residency Characteristics
The residency programme includes:
- A funding of 40.000€ per challenge;
- Guidance and support by the STARTS EC(H)O Residency Host Institutions;
- Access to experts;
- A kick-off meeting on-site at the Dresden University of Technology in December 2024;
- An incubation programme to support the residency teams in kickstarting the pilots and nurturing them to accelerate their impact;
- An impact assessment to evaluate the potential impact of scenarios and prototypes developed.
Additional information:
The artist will be resident at the ESPI headquarters in Vienna and will have opportunities to visit partner space organisations, such as UNOOSA. The artist will meet key players in global space policy, take part in major events, and be submerged in the space policy work that will support the artist’s research and project development.
The research will be supported by ESPI space policy experts and, where relevant for the project, meetings can be arranged with members of the ESPI General Assembly and the Advisory Council, European and global space policy leaders and members, as well as the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC).
The artist will be invited to attend and contribute to events convened under the Vienna Space Diplomat (VSD) initiative, such as COPUOS Side Events, VSD Annual Reception, and VSD Forum); the European Interparliamentary Space Conference (EISC), as an opportunity to connect with the politicians in the room); and the annual ESPI Autumn Conference.
Resources include a dedicated workspace, desk, and usage of board rooms and the exhibition space at ESPI headquarters during residency visits. The artist will have the opportunity to present seminars, workshops and exhibits at ESPI and with partners as part of the residency package.
Related Projects
Vienna Space Diplomat is a first-of-its kind engagement framework for the space diplomatic community in Vienna, ESPI’s Vienna Space Diplomat (VSD) platform gathers diplomats, policymakers and experts in a suite of events to shape international space affairs and develop the role of space in a wider societal and economic context.
The Centre of Excellence for Space and Sustainability will be hosted by ESPI and inaugurated in late-2024. It aims to foster impactful policymaking in Austria, in Europe, and globally; promote sustainability on Earth and in outer space at the European and global levels; facilitate research on the role of space in supporting sustainable development and the green transition, as well as space sustainability issues; foster the development of a network of European stakeholders interested in supporting sustainability on Earth and in space; and act as a supporting entity for European decision-makers by providing knowledge, recommendations, and advice on sustainability issues.
About STARTS
STARTS is an initiative of the European Commission to foster alliances of technology, science and artistic practice to nurture innovation and benefit the art world. As part of the S+T+ARTS initiative, STARTS EC(H)O aims the objective of building towards the triple transformation and developing artist-led approaches through creative experimentation and recognizing the most successful ones.
Through this Open Call, STARTS residencies program offers the artists an opportunity to work on these major questions of tomorrow and to bring new perspectives to human-centered and sustainable projects, in the form of a work of art or a functional or speculative artistic prototype. For 13 months, the STARTS EC(H)O project will promote 10 residencies hosted in different institutions throughout Europe, centered on promoting the triple transformation: social, green and digital.
The Experts
H. Ludwig Moeller is an expert and visionary in the space industry specialising in European space policy with a global perspective. He has close to 30 years’ experience with ESA including Head of Strategy, Programme and Transformation at ESA’s Telecommunications and Integrated Applications Directorate. He served as Head of Institutional and European Programmes Office where he worked on projects such as Horizon 2020 Space and GOVSATCOM. Role: Will be in direct communication with the artist. He will provide big picture guidance, mentorship, knowledge, insights and inspiration.
Aoife van Linden Tol is an artist and previous Ars Electronica and EU Artist in residence at ESA, Aoife has since forged a career in the space industry as a creative innovator. Her role at ESPI is to harness creativity and culture to increase the impact of ESPI’s policy work. This includes championing the importance of creative industries in the space ecosystem. Role: ESPI residency coordinator and facilitator, accompanying the artist during kick off and on key visits and trips, and serve as the main point of contact for the artist regarding the overall residency matters.
Matija Renčelj is an experienced legal advisor, policy analyst and project manager with a history of working in multiple international organisations, a multijurisdictional law firm and industry. He is currently the Research Manager of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI). He previously worked at ESPI as a Research Fellow as well as at the European Space Agency, the European Commission, in the aviation and commodities sectors, and started his career at a corporate law firm. Role: ESPI Mentor - Matija will help to guide the artist in regard to specialised space policy matters and will be the main point of contact in the ESPI office.
Miha Tursic is an artist, designer, and researcher dedicated to developing arts and humanities in outer space. He has designed works about the human condition in outer space, developing post-gravitational art and artistic satellites; co-founded the Cultural Centre of European Space Technologies, an institution with a dedicated Cultural Space Programme; and actively develops cooperation between space and art institutions in Europe, Russia, the United States, and China. Currently, he works at Waag as a Space Lab lead and concept and project developer specialising in collaborative research and innovation. Role: Independent art mentor for space-related art, science, and technology research, available throughout the residency.
