Residency on the Ocean

Sail Britain was born as an arts project, and our unique residency programme pioneered sailing as creative exploration since 2015. This seasoned approach means life onboard Sail Britain is a unique experience, and backed up by a culture of professionalism and safety at sea. We firmly believe in the value of fieldwork for artists as well as scientists, and in the spirit of collaboration which develops while sailing, both between creative practitioners and those of other disciplines.

Each of our residencies is led by an artist expedition leader whose practice relates to the theme of exploration, and who can guide us through often unfamiliar territory, both practically and in terms of ideas. Increasingly the artist residency programme is becoming a melting pot for ideas surrounding our relationship to the ocean and the natural landscapes we encounter, as well as wider thinking about society, ecology, climate and activism.

The programme offers a unique connection with the natural world and a rare chance to experience the ocean in a dynamic, supportive and open-minded environment. The project is also a platform for the development and exchange of ideas. Few experiences bring people together like learning how to sail, and it allows unique insights into an otherwise inaccessible territory.

We have sailed with artists from a wide variety of backgrounds – poetry, photography, fine arts, music, sound, film making and sculpture to name a few. Everyone has something to bring to the table and most come away with not just a totally unique experience and connection with the sea, but as members of a growing community of Artists in the Field.

“Being all at Sea” is a written and photographic account of a voyage to the far North West coast by writer and photographer duo Harriet and Rob Fraser, somewhere-nowhere.

The majority of our crews stay in touch and some have done shows and founded collaborative projects together.

Work from our ‘Muir s Tir – Land and Sea’ residency was shown at the Tent Gallery, Edinburgh as part of the 2018 Edinburgh Art Festival, and at An Lanntair in Stornoway. Work from the resident artist-sailors explored the land and seascapes of the Outer Hebrides and offered a window into the language and culture of the islands through an involved and participatory approach.

‘The Fragile Ocean’, our 2019 end of year show in collaboration with super-collider, saw 25 resident artists come together to show work from across the season, exploring the sea and their own experiences over the summer, at the Lumen Gallery.

We have an upcoming exhibition in Glasgow in Spring 2024, so watch this space!