Nuclear Culture: a curatorial exploration of the conceptual and cultural challenges of dismantling nuclear submarines

The problem of dismantling nuclear submarines is a current political issue and high-risk environmental problem. From a military perspective the issue is viewed as a technical problem that can be resolved by engineering and technology. Inviting artists to consider the aesthetic, conceptual, ethical and cultural problems of nuclear submarines will dramatically shift the terms of the debate. The research will investigate complex issues of power, visibility, and political representation, as well as having a keen material and conceptual interest in the socio-political history, and conceptual nature of nuclear weapons.

This fellowship will enable Ele Carpenter to undertake the theoretical research needed to bring together scientists, engineers and community groups with artists and ethicists to develop new opportunities for creative practice investigating nuclear culture. Whilst there is much research into nuclear technologies, there is little analysis of the cultural and conceptual questions of nuclear materials within the language of visual art. Her positive relationships with artists, the Nuclear Submarine Forum, SDP-AG and Arts Catalyst, along with her academic and curatorial experience put her in a unique position to undertake this work and publish highly original research material. The research will contribute to the level of critical enquiry within these partnership groups and organizations.

The Nuclear Culture research aims to have a profound impact on the discussion of Nuclear Submarines in the public realm; it will have a high public profile involving not just subject area specialists but a wide cross-section of the public. This will be achieved by producing a website and academic research dissemination as well as the generation of a commissioning proposal. In addition, the research process will establish a context for artist's dialogue by developing good relationships with the key partners, researching the theoretical, critical and art-historical context of the project, and situating it within a wider cultural debate. The research will investigate how artistic practices can contribute to the interdisciplinary discourse surrounding the cultural problem of dismantling nuclear submarines though an investigation of dismantling, cultural memes and intergenerational equity, supporting new forms of language, art, and culture which can carry ideas over time throughout centuries.

The Research Fellowship will benefit the partner organizations The Arts Catalyst, the Nuclear Submarine Forum and the SDP-AG. It will significantly contribute to the learning and development of critical language and present new frameworks for thinking through problems, investigating ethics and aesthetics within these organizations.

The Research will contribute to the curatorial development of the The Arts Catalyst, an established arts agency with a ten year track record of bringing together artists and scientists in rigourous dialogue, to share research, and develop new work. They have played a significant role in supporting artists exploring nuclear issues, and facilitating interdisciplinary discussion on the subject. In 2008, they produced 'Nuclear: Art & Radioactivity', accompanied by the 'Nuclear Forum' which included Paul Dorfman, Kate Hudson at the RSA. In 1998 they produced 'Atomic: James Acord, Carey Young, Mark Waller' an exhibition at ArtLab, Imperial College, London. There is a synergy of research interests between Ele Carpenter and the Arts Catalyst, who have been following each other's curatorial work for several years.

The research will contribute to the language and culture of the The SDP Advisory Group, a forum for conducting independent assessment of initiatives and outcomes, and a route for providing scrutiny, advice and counsel to the Ministry of Defence Submarine Dismantling Project. The SDP-AG includes approximately 25 representatives of statutory regulators, NGOs, academics and community organizations including: British Nuclear Energy Society, Environmental Health Advisory Services Ltd, Institution of Nuclear Engineers, Nuclear Submarine Forum, Nuclear Free Local Authorities and members of the MOD. The SDP-AG has advised on openness and transparency leading to a public information website and ensuring that its meetings are open to the public. The forthcoming public consultation will involve key stakeholders including the SDP-AG and its representative groups. It may also be possible for the Research Fellow to contribute to the consultation. The Research Fellow will work with the NsubF to open up channels of communication for artistic research, providing access and opportunities to new ways of thinking, specific sites and materials.

The Nuclear Submarine Forum (NsubF) has represented anti-nuclear activists from across the UK on the SDP-AG since its inception in 2000-2001. The NsubF proposed an idea of a public art project to the SDP-AG in July 2010, and invited Ele Carpenter to give a presentation to the group in Birmingham, 23 February 2011. The SDP-AG passed a recommendation to the MOD that they agree to work with Dr Carpenter on an art project. There was general interest in: inviting artists to give presentations prior to SDP-AG meetings, hosting a SDP-AG at Cove Park (an Artists Residency Centre above Faslane), and willingness to help arrange a visit for artists to have a guided tour around a nuclear submarine in Devonport, Plymouth.

The Research will benefit artists by providing access to institutional networks, information and sites that will enable them to develop an informed practice. It will build relationships between key researchers and practitioners to develop a shared language for developing new projects. The workshop will provide a unique opportunity for artists to develop their critical language, knowledge and expertise.