SEED_2065: The Understory.
Life, Death and Reckoning in the Crypt
SEED_2065 invites artists to imagine hopeful futures where relationships between humans and Other-Than-Human life are rooted in respect, balance and care.
Following our first successful exhibition, this second chapter continues to explore anthropocentrism: the belief that the world exists solely to serve human needs. Every work will be a site-specific response to the historic Crypt of St. Pancras Church, London.
ABOUT THE SPACE
Built to hold remains and mark endings, the Crypt is a place where the line between the visible and the hidden is thin. It is not just a gallery; it is the framework. We seek work that responds to its structure, history, and mood—reflecting on what we take, what we keep, and what we leave behind.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We welcome all art forms (sculpture, video, sound, performance, etc.)’ from small to larger scale. There are many spaces of different sizes that are perfect for installations. The only requirement is a response to the site and our core themes:
• Looking Back: Imagining ourselves in 2065, critiquing how we currently live.
• Looking Forward: Building new worlds that move beyond human-centred thinking.
Thematic Prompts:
• The Sacred Body: Whose life is worthy of a monument?
• The Truth-Telling: What stories do we dare tell in 2065?
• Death as Gift: The crypt as a seedbed, not a vault.
• Honouring Ghosts: Hearing the languages of species we nearly lost.
• Architecture of Reciprocity: Spaces that serve the fox and human equally.
• Grief as Soil: Mourning as an act of restoration.
WHO CAN APPLY and COMMITMENT
Open to artists at any career stage. During the project you will be part of a Collaborative Collective of about 20 artists.
• Commitment: You will make new work that you must be able to deliver, install, and deinstall in person, participate in our workshop programme (dates below) and provide 1-2 half days invigilation.
• Costs: This is a self-funded, not-for-profit project. Selected artists contribute £65 toward gallery hire on acceptance of a place.
PRACTICAL INFO
• Exhibition: 18 Nov – 2 Dec 2026
• Location: The Crypt, St. Pancras Church, NW1 2BA.
• You will be required to have your own public liability insurance and asked to complete a short risk assessment for the Gallery.
• No commissions are taken for any sales you may make.
• Please note that the Crypt is only accessible via several steps – there is no wheelchair access.
• Our Support: Community and workshop facilitation, installation assistance, promotion, and publication. Each artist will be allocated an area suitable for their proposed work early in the process. We will work with you to make sure what you propose is possible within the building and its limitations.
• Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on interest in, and enthusiasm for the project, thematic resonance, and feasibility within the site.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a single PDF to seed.2065art@gmail.com by 4 June 2026:
1. Statement (250 words): Your work and interest in the themes.
2. Initial Proposal (1 page): Thoughts on theme, diagram, materials, and site-response (we expect ideas to evolve).
3. Portfolio: Up to 6 images/examples of previous work.
4. Dates & Tasks: Confirm availability for dates below (letting us know any you cannot make) and note specific skills you can offer the collective (e.g., social media, tech, labels).
5. CV/Bio: 1 page max.
Key Dates:
• In-person (London. 10.30-4.30): 13 June & 5 Sept.
• Online (19:00-20:30): 30 June, 28 July, 25 Aug, 22 Sept, 20 Oct.
Deadline: 4 June 2026 | Notification: 7 June 2026.
Please pencil in the first workshop date upon application.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything, do not hesitate to email.
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