Artist and academic partnership programme
What Happens If is an artist and academic partnership programme from Lancaster Arts, connected to our 2026 theme of Dissent. Lancaster Arts has been supporting residencies and partnerships with artists and academics for many years and this is a cornerstone of our artistic programme.
What Happens If is a brand-new variation of our partnership model which has grown out of our previous programmes, the TEST residencies and Art and Data residencies. Artist Kate Fox writes about her residency here in Land Loops on the theme of LAND in 2025 and Jenni Jackson on her residency experiences in Art and Data in 2024.
The programme brings artists and academics together to explore shared questions and ideas and there is always a public moment to share what happened such as Bringing the Outside In. Rather than starting with discussion, a brief or a predetermined outcome, the programme begins with activity, process and time spent alongside one another. It is a space for curiosity, difference, exchange and not knowing exactly where something will lead. This might involve walking, cooking, learning, visiting sites, attending events or spending time in particular environments. Artists and academics apply separately and are then paired as part of the programme. We offer practical support and guidance, nurturing a process of discovery.
“It gave me permission to work beyond the usual academic ways of doing things.”
Previous residency participant, academic
“Paid time, being in one place, and encounters with academics and others made the work possible.”
Previous residency participant, artist
What Happens If is now open for applications from both artists who live in the north and academics based at Lancaster University. Artists and academics working in any discipline are welcome. If this is of interest to you and you want to know more or apply please see Full details, including access support and application guidance, can be found here.
