The Sustainable Darkroom
Research Fellow/Grant Recipient - Systemic Design, Sustainability, Photography, Imaging Systems
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Summer 2026 has shown an abundance of environmental crises. While photography and visual media are essential for communicating these realities, the medium itself is beleaguered by ecological harms: toxic chemicals, silver waste, plastic pollution, and high-energy digital infrastructures.
The Sustainable Darkroom, in partnership with the Northern Centre of Photography and the Photography Research Group at the University of Sunderland, is inviting applications for the Sustainable Darkroom Futures Residency. Supported by Arts Council England and The Grocers’ Charity, this is a 6-month hybrid research fellowship culminating in an in-person exhibition and symposium in October 2027.
We are seeking 5 UK-based researchers, practitioners, or thinkers to propose innovative, sustainable systems for photography and visual technology.
Who We Are Looking For
We encourage applicants to think beyond established sector norms and envision radical, unorthodox, or speculative ideas. We are looking for interdisciplinary applications, including backgrounds in:
- Engineering & Green Chemistry: Circular waste treatment, zero-toxin chemistry, material lifecycle design.
- Architecture & Civil Engineering: Sustainable lab infrastructure, closed-loop water/energy systems.
- Systemic & Service Design: Redesigning lab ecosystems, supply chains, or institutional waste pipelines.
- Law, Policy & Governance: Legal/political frameworks for material usage, environmental regulations, or digital waste.
- Tech & AI: Digital/analogue technology production, energy-aware digital storage, and hardware ethics.
- Visual Art & Photography: Speculative proposals, material research, and critical practice.
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Note: We are prioritise imagination and systemic thinking. You do NOT need to create a fully functioning prototype by the end—blueprints, speculative designs, test data, and written papers are all valid outcomes.
What We Provide
- £3,400 Grant to support research, development, and final project outcomes.
- 6-Month Hybrid Structure: Bi-weekly online expert seminars and project-specific mentorship.
- Expert Seminars: Featuring sessions from experts including Renata Marques Leitão (Human-Centred Design), Rob Hopkins (Transition Town), Tim Crossland (Plan B / Defend Our Juries), and Dominic Wilcox.
- University Access: Access to facilities and technical support at the University of Sunderland.
- Exhibition & Symposium: Full inclusion in an exhibition/symposium in Sunderland (October 2027), with travel stipend and accommodation provided.
- Publication: Inclusion in an online publication of final research documents.
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Access & Regional Priorities
- Disability Access Places: 2 of the 5 places are reserved for individuals who identify as disabled (funded by The Grocers’ Charity). Additional access support is available throughout the residency and application process.
- Northern England Priority: 2 of the 5 places are reserved for residents of Northern England (from South Yorkshire to the Scottish Borders). (Applicants may fulfill both criteria).
What Is Expected
- Participation in bi-weekly online seminars and mid-point project presentations.
- A finalized written project report (minimum 2,000 words) for online publication.
- Visual materials, prototypes, or blueprints for the final exhibition.
- Physical attendance at the exhibition opening and symposium in Sunderland (October 14–15, 2027).
Key Dates & How to Apply
- Online Q&A Session 1: 23 September 2026 (6:00 – 8:15 PM)
- Online Q&A Session 2: 11 October 2026 (10:30 – 11:30 AM)
- Application Deadline: 23 October 2026
- Interviews: 2 December – 9 December 2026
- Residency Duration: April 2027 – October 2027
To read the full open call details, register for Q&A sessions, or submit your application, visit our website or contact us at sustainabledarkroom@gmail.com.
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