Arts and Ecology

A full-time (1 year) or part-time programme (2 years) with 4 x 30 credit modules and 1 x 60 credit dissertation or major project module. The taught (30 credit) modules are six weeks’ long. Teaching at Dartington is concentrated into two-week periods for each of the first four modules, with supported e-learning and independent learning inbetween.

The MFA option involves a further 60 credits of study resulting in a significant, self initiated public outcome, performance, exhibition or publication. Participants will be drawn from our own MA programmes as well as those from other institutions.

A full-time (1 year) or part-time programme (2 years) with 4 x 30 credit modules. Students taking the full-time option will study all four modules during the first two terms.  For full details on part-time pathways, please contact us.

A full-time programme with 2 x 30 credit modules. Students will study both modules during term one.

To apply for the accredited single module option, apply in the usual way, selecting the ‘Module One’ option during the application process.

Modules 1 and 2, and 3, run sequentially during term 1 and 2 with module 4 running concurrently but assessed at the end of term 2 this allows the modules to reflect and respond to each other. Module 5 runs for the whole of term 3 and is the final project for students exiting with an MA. For those wishing to undertake an MFA they will attend for a further 2 terms full time or 1 year part time. Below are draft modules, which are indicative only at this stage, though we hope to confirm more details soon.

Modules 1 and 2 run sequentially in term 1 (January – March) and modules 3 and 4 run sequentially in term 2 (April – June). Module 5 is a double module and runs for the whole of term 3. It is the final project for students exiting with an MA. For those wishing to undertake an MFA they will attend for a further 2 terms full time or 1 year part time.

Module 1: Introduction to Fieldwork

This module enables you to explore place-based and project-based enquiry and methods. You are reaching for a thorough understanding of how everything is connected. The module includes a foundational exploration of histories, theories, and methodologies in the field of arts and ecology. You will look at sites, systems and contexts and consider the relationship between arts and activism.

Module 2: Interdependent Systems

This module involves a deeper enquiry into the topic of interconnected systems (ecological, economic, social) and how they weave together. It moves towards metadisciplinarity and regenerative culture. You will explore how artists work in collaboration across disciplinary boundaries (science, technology, engineering, economics, etc.) to find rich ways of knowing and meaning-making.

Module 3: Beyond Human

This module ranges through contemplation of species, diversity, human consciousness, the more than human, trophic cascades, resilient adaptive systems, ecological balance, symbiosis, the expanded self, interspecies dialogue, the unmarked, ecocide, and empathy. It asks what is human without a notion of separateness. It considers how these enquiries can reflect into changemaking and networked learning.

Module 4: Trajectories

This module provides support for the student’s ongoing creative practice research and development in response to ecological concerns. It provides the foundation for the development of the major project / dissertation module.

Module 5: Major Project/Dissertation

This module supports the student’s growing arts and ecology artwork. Students will devise and negotiate an appropriate and relevant personal project which will enable them to demonstrate their practical, creative, theoretical and reflective practice. Through a process of negotiated project proposal, outcomes will be agreed and can take the form of a 15,000 word dissertation interrogating arts and ecology, or a creative project in the public domain, or a combination of both (50/50). Outputs from the module will evidence the depth of development and synthesis of knowledge from the programme.

Module 6: MFA Professional Project

This module is self-initiated from the outset and prioritises individual research, conducted under supervision with identified tutors and other mentors and external advisors considered essential to the study. MFA students learn from and contribute to the delivery of the module through their interaction with peers, tutors and the wider arts and cultural community. Emphasis is placed upon independence, originality, initiative and enterprise. Teaching and learning will be complimented by the wide range of visiting lecturers (e.g. artists, curators, ecologists, choreographers, directors, philosophers, performers composers, critics, producers, etc), providing the opportunity to discuss work with renowned experts. Students will develop individual opportunities with national and/or international venues, opportunities, agencies, etc., which may also result in working independently or at distance. Culmination of the module is the production of a substantial and resolved creative outcome that will be exhibited / performed / published and assessed in an appropriate public arena.