Rewilding Practice is a year-long programme offering up to 10 emerging artists an intensive research and practice-based programme developed with an industry partner, G F Smith (paper manufacturer). This part-time programme encourages artists to observe and research paper production processes, particularly those aimed at reducing environmental impact. The Rewilding Practice artists will communicate their responses through distinctive creative practices to audiences including art & design practitioners, schools, further & higher education students, educators, local communities and the industry & business sector. The programme also provides opportunities for in-person and online peer dialogue sessions with students on similar-level programmes at alternative art schools including TOMA (The Other MA, Southend), New School of the Anthropocene and the MESH project (Into the Wild, at Chisenhale Gallery, London) The work produced by programme participants also contribute to professional level portfolios to support future creative or career pathways.

Participating artists are offered studio space, regular tuition including careers advice, industry visits and input from industry professionals and visiting artists. For those who live beyond easy travelling distance it is possible to participate remotely for certain parts of the programme. This is organised in 4 blocks with space in between each block for independent practice. Outcomes include 1) an exhibition of work by participants (physical and online) to a range of audiences as above 2) presentations and events 3) a publication featuring the research process and the creative outcomes (hard copy and online). Throughout the project students maintain blogs and journals recording the progress of their work and their research findings.

This project offers a blueprint for future collaboration with other industry partners and contributes to ongoing research by alternative art schools to formulate productive ways of assessing quality, value and distance travelled by students. Students are closely involved with planning, evaluating and contributing to the future development of this programme.

The next run of this programme is due to start in September 2025.

You can follow activities on Instagram @feral.rewilders and @feralartschool