Artist and academic partnership programme
What Happens If is a new artist and academic partnership programme from Lancaster Arts, launching this spring.
Connected to Lancaster Arts’ 2026 theme of Dissent, the programme brings artists and academics together to explore shared questions and ideas through doing things together.
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.
“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
Two artists and two academics will be selected to take part in a series of shared sessions between June and September 2026, culminating in a public sharing as part of Lancaster Arts’ Festival of Dissent in September.
Artists and academics will apply separately and will be paired as part of the programme.
This might involve walking, cooking, learning, visiting sites, attending events or spending time in particular environments.
Before the open call launches, Lancaster Arts is hosting two informal information sessions for people interested in taking part. These are a chance to hear more about the programme, ask questions and help shape how the open call is framed.
A full open call for artists and academics will follow, with a selection process to take part in the programme.
Artists selected for the programme will receive a fee. Full details, including access support and application guidance, will be shared when the open call launches.
Who it’s for
What Happens If is for artists and academics with an established practice who are interested in developing ideas through collaboration.
It is open to:
Artists based in the North of England who have been professionally active for at least five years
Academics from across Lancaster University who have been professionally active for at least five years
Artists and academics working in any discipline are welcome.
You do not need previous experience of working across art and academia, and you do not need a proposal or project idea. Curiosity, openness and an interest in collaborative enquiry are enough.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students are not eligible.
Information sessions
Academic information session
Wednesday 22 April 2026, 5pm
Business Lounge, Health Innovation Centre, Lancaster University
Duration: 1 hour
An informal in-person session for Lancaster University academics to hear more about the programme, ask questions and help shape the open call.
Register for the academic information session here.
Artist information session
Friday 24 April 2026, 4pm
Online (Zoom)
Duration: 45 minutes
An informal online session for artists based in the North of England to hear more about the programme, ask questions and help shape the open call.
