FAQ

This programme is also open to Malaysian and UK artists based outside their home countries. Please note that the programme will only cover the following travel expenses:

For Malaysian artists:

• Travel within Malaysia for Field Visit 1: Malaysia

• Travel to the UK from Malaysia for Field Visit 2: UK

* Return travel to a foreign country of residence from the UK may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

** Please note that successful Malaysian applicants will need to obtain a valid ETA prior to flying into the UK. For more info: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

For UK artists:

• Travel to Malaysia for Field Visit 1: Malaysia

• Travel to the UK from Malaysia for Field Visit 2: UK

* Return travel to a foreign country of residence from the UK may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

We accept artists practising in various art disciplines! This includes visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, and more.

The online sessions in March/April 2025, lasting not more than 2 hours at a time, will focus on decolonial approaches to art and ecology, engaging experts from Malaysia and the UK who work within the aforementioned themes. The sessions are meant to provide key context to the objectives of the fellowship, as well as foster dialogue and mutual learning. Through these sessions and the rest of the programme, we aim to provide a safe, helpful environment for everyone involved (including the project team) to deepen our understanding and practice in the spaces of art and ecology.

As these sessions are essential to the programme, we ask that you ensure you have access to a reliable internet connection to fully participate. If you anticipate any challenges in this regard, please reach out to us at borneobengkel.sec@gmail.com or studio@radicalecology.earth, and we can discuss potential solutions to support your involvement.

The fellowship includes two 2-week field visits between June and August 2025. The first field visit will take place in Malaysian Borneo, followed by the UK. These visits will allow participants to immerse themselves in the local context, engage with community members, and deepen their understanding of the ecological and social issues linked to big dam projects.

Please note that the field visits may involve physical activities such as hiking or extended periods of walking, which could present challenges for some. We encourage applicants to consider their ability to participate in these activities and assess whether the fellowship is a good fit for their personal circumstances. If you have any concerns or specific accessibility needs, please feel free to reach out to us at borneobengkel.sec@gmail.com or studio@radicalecology.earth, and we can discuss how we might support your participation.

During the online showcase in September 2025, fellows will publicly share their research findings and proposals for new works emerging from their involvement in the programme. While we envision that this can be done through online sharing as well as features in Radical Ecology and Borneo Bengkel's websites, the showcase’s final form may evolve through discussions with the fellows.

While the primary focus is on the 6-month fellowship, ongoing collaboration may occur through future opportunities with Radical Ecology, Borneo Bengkel, and the British Council, depending on the outcomes and relationships developed during the programme.