solarpunk

Solarpunk is a movement that imagines a future where technology and nature work together harmoniously. Instead of the dark, dystopian futures we often see in science fiction, solarpunk envisions bright, green worlds where:

// Cities are filled with plants, gardens, and renewable energy

// Technology helps heal the environment rather than destroy it

// Communities are cooperative and inclusive

// Solar panels, wind turbines, and other clean energy sources power everything

// Buildings are covered in vegetation and designed to work with natural systems

Think of it as "optimistic environmentalism" - it's about showing what a sustainable, just, and beautiful future could actually look like. The aesthetic often features lots of greenery, natural materials mixed with advanced tech, and vibrant, hopeful imagery.

Solarpunk isn't just about the environment though - it also focuses on social justice, community cooperation, and making sure this green future works for everyone, not just the wealthy.

The name combines "solar" (representing clean energy and brightness) with "punk" (representing a DIY, grassroots approach to creating change). It's both an art movement and a way of thinking about how we can build a better world.

We are looking for artists, designers, futurists, environmentalists, and dreamers!

In collaboration with EnergyLab Asia, a non-profit driving Cambodia's energy transition, in collaboration with Micro Galleries, a global art collective, Sambor Village hotel in Kampong Thom and Seapunk Studios, a network of creatives around Southeast Asia, we are launching programs to develop new work and a critical mass of artists who are exploring "Solarpunk". Kicking off with a spotlight on Southeast Asia, and the residency available for application by artists living within Cambodia, this residency will take place in Kampong Thom on September 25th to 30th (week after Pchum Ben holidays)

You will have some days for collective brainstormings and guided imagination sessions, with workshops, film screenings, time to reflect and work on your art pieces, and including:

•⁠ ⁠Introduction to traditional/new ways of thinking grounded in the local context, such as traditional medicine, vernacular resilience strategies and local cosmology/connection with forest spirits, etc.;

•⁠ ⁠Tour to Sambor Prei Kuk temples to get inspired by the ancestral knowledge and southeast asian aesthetics, to combine with future scenarios, including guide and lunch with local community;

•⁠ ⁠Visit to local Indigenous Kui community and their sacred forest, to learn from the best with regards to land stewardship, community practices and living in harmony with nature, including lunch with the Kui and local transport;

•⁠ ⁠Mai from Sambor Village, an inspiring Japanese innovator based in the area, will show us the sense of place and the multiple connections and roots she already has with the local communities.

With the generous support by EnergyLab and Sambor Village we will cover transportation (PP-KPT and within KPT) and accommodation. You will only have to cover your food order from the very reasonably priced Sambor restaurant.

The final outcomes/artworks from the Residency will be displayed in an exhibition at F3 - Friends Futures Factory in Phnom Penh, on October 4th as part of the Clean Energy Week, with the capacity to reach and inspire local youth, social entrepreneurs, climate innovators and policy makers.

You retain full copyright of your art and allow us to promote you online with potential future touring and online exhibitions powered by Micro Galleries. We are looking forward to see what imagined futures you can bring to reality!

This is a conversation starter, a pilot project and an opportunity to build community. Let’s imagine a Solar Punk future for Cambodia!

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Where: Sambor Village in Kampong Thom
When: September 25-30th (week after Pchum Ben) + Exhibition on October 4th
Why: To dig deeper in collective explorations,
What is Provided: All transportation and accommodation covered
What is not provided: Food
Submission Deadline: September 18th

We're seeking digital artists to help us imagine and visualise the bright, sustainable futures we want to build. This exhibition celebrates the solarpunk movement – where technology and nature thrive together, communities flourish, and hope guides innovation.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Artists of any medium and career level, ONLY from Southeast Asia this time. No prior Solarpunk knowledge required, but we encourage you to explore the movement at seapunk.asia for inspiration

Whether you're a digital painter, 3D artist, graphic designer, or work in any other digital medium (or can transfer your work into digital medium) – if you can imagine sustainable, just, and beautiful futures, we want to see your work.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Submit your digital artwork for an exhibition that brings solarpunk visions from throughout South East Asia to life. We're looking for work that can be printed and displayed, showcasing imagined futures that inspire real-world action.

You retain full copyright of your artwork while allowing us to promote your work online and through potential future touring and digital exhibitions powered by Micro Galleries.

Multiple submissions welcome – we want to see the full spectrum of your creative vision!

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WHERE: F3 - Friends Futures Factory, Phnom Penh
WHEN: October 4th, 2024
CONTEXT: Part of Clean Energy Week
AUDIENCE: Local youth, social entrepreneurs, climate innovators, and policy makers

Micro Galleries always partners with the most exceptional talent who have deep cultural connections and knowledge of the communities we hope to work with.

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