10096223The Living DressClosedInvestment AcceleratorInnovate UKI am a Carnival artist working in visual arts, textiles, costume, sculpture and processional art. My company, Cabasa CIC, delivers large scale carnival and outdoor art works across the UK. We work with expert professional artists, although many of our projects also engage and celebrate the voices of marginalised groups. We work for a range of clients including local authorities, town teams, Business Improvement Districts, commercial retail centres and other arts organisations. Like many organisational leaders, I have been increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of our work. This includes topics such as synthetic dyes (used extensively in producing costume and banners) and outdoor sculptures/installations. I have begun to explore a range of natural dye alternatives, and to consider natural and locally grown textile alternatives for costumes. I also want to explore alternative approaches which focus on ephemeral, biodegradable sculptures, incorporating natural materials and plants. This requires alternative materials and ways of working to ensure and public art works are robust in a range of public settings. But it also requires a different way of thinking about public art, for creators, commissioners and the public. We've started talking to partners and communities about these questions and early responses have been very promising. There is a growing public appetite for environmentally sustainable public art works, which may have a shorter shelf-life but a deeper impact on people's imaginations - and a much lighter impact on the planet. With support from Innovate UK I now want to undertake a period of intensive R&D, leading to the development of two new public art works which can be deployed in a wide range of settings, bringing joy, energy and celebration to our shared spaces. These works will have a high level of sustainability built into their entire production cycle and will also involve audiences in questions around our relationships with public art, design, and textiles. As part of the project I will * Consult with commissioners of outdoor events and art works to understand their needs and aspirations. * Work with a fabricator to develop sustainable and robust design solutions for a new sculpture. * Explore key installation and health and safety requirements. * Undertake intensive professional development and training to increase my own understanding of planning, measuring, and reducing the environmental impact across our production and supply chain.