Mycophilia is an online course for artists to learn about mushrooms and fungi. The program will offer daily video chats with research mycologists from distinguished clubs and laboratories around the world. It will take place over 2 weeks from Sept 14 - 25 on Zoom. This research residency will offer opportunities to learn from experts, to develop ideas with other artists and to get your hands dirty.
Outline
- Artist Talks – You are invited to introduce yourself and your practice to the group in a 10-15 minute presentation
- Mycophilia 101: What is a mushroom, what is mycology?
- Mycodiversity: Wild mushroom identification using keys, books and apps
- Symbiosis: Fungi-Plant partnerships: Lichens, Ghost Plants and the Wood Wide Web
- Symbiosis: Fungal Farming Insects
- Mushroom Medicine & Poison
- Spore printing workshop
- Spores & Reproductive Strategies
- Cordyceps and other Zombi Fungi
- Coprophilous Fungi: Dung loving mushrooms are the most beautiful mushrooms
- Ergotism and Endophytes
- Live Mushroom/Artist Collaboration Artist talk and studio-lab demonstration
- Tethered mushroom hunting field trip with an expert to help identify what you find. Set up zoom on your phone, take us with you on your walk. Show us the mushrooms in your area. If you cannot do this try setting up your computer on the deck, or bringing samples back to the computer. Or show us things you found at the market.
About the host program
The Biophilium is a Canadian artist run residency program that offers unique opportunities for smart creative people to study the natural world with the support of research scientists. Our online webinars are courses of 10 lectures with discussions and artist talks for practicing creative people. Our in person artist residencies are field expeditions in wild places.
Science and Artists
Science: Artists will learn about the lives and ecology of wild fungi directly from mycologists and naturalists. The program features daily live video lectures with mycological researchers on a range of mushroom related topics, focused on ecological relationships, fungal behaviour and physiology, foraging and studio/lab techniques.
Artists: Biophilium residencies are designed to facilitate research that will enrich visual and conceptual artists' practice within a small group of like minded creative people. Artists, writers, musicians, film makers, dancers and interdisciplinary thinkers are encouraged to apply. The jury will select eight international artists based on their portfolio rather than how they fit into any description of an artist. The Biophilium centers women and NB artists and scientists.
Cost
$600 USD. Official invitations will be given to accepted applicants to help support grant and funding applications.
How to Apply
Send the following material to ArtLovesScience@gmail.com:
- Artist CV
- Artist statement (about 200 words)
- Application form (PDF or docx)
- Portfolio 5 – 10 examples of your work
We are flexible and forgiving with application formats and deadlines. Residency places are limited to 12 artists.