The CEE’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence bid farewell with a live performance at the Byre Theatre titled ‘Long Field Loop’ on Thursday 23 May. This showcase capped off Rebecca’s residency at the Centre for Energy Ethics, which began in September 2022.  
 

 Since arriving at the CEE, Rebecca has been heavily involved with our researchers and activities. Her Artist-in-Residence journal pieces, events and workshops provided views into the worlds of energy, sustainability and Climate Change not usually highlighted in academic circles. At the same time, Rebecca’s enthusiastic engagement with Centre researchers brought new audiences to the academic work being done-in-and-around the University of St Andrews.    

Rebecca Sharp opening the showcase with a reading from her new collection.


“Before Rebecca joined us as our inaugural Artist-in-Residence, funded by private donors and Creative Scotland, people would ask me rather sceptically ‘what will an Artist-in-Residence do at the CEE?’ Now they ask me ‘what will the CEE do without Rebecca?’” said Centre Director Dr Mette High, “Over the last 18 months, it has been wonderful to witness how Rebecca has embedded herself in the life of the Centre. She has engaged closely, and provocatively, with research topics, methodologies and questions. Bringing her perceptive curiosity to our research, she has invited and challenged us to see the world in a new light, inspired by the power of poetry.” 

Thursday evening, which included readings from her new collection (also titled ‘Long Field Loop’), the short film ‘Velella velella’, and a live musical performance accompanied by Alex South, showcased Rebecca’s familiar application of multimedia – an approach which mirrors her interdisciplinary approach to poetry.  Throughout her time at the Centre, Rebecca worked closely with the full range of academic disciplines which the CEE represents. This was highlighted by her ‘Attractor’ poems which focus on researchers, activists and themes which Rebecca has encountered throughout her time in-and-around the Centre.

Images courtesy of Paul Conlan, Steve Smart and Emil Thompson

 
Although her residency is now at an end, Rebecca will continue to be involved with the Centre for Energy Ethics. Organised for October, Rebecca is hosting a ‘Loopshop’ with the Scottish Poetry Library and in association with the CEE and Centre for Poetic Innovation. Tickets for this event, to be held in Edinburgh, are available now.  

The collection ‘Long Field Loop’ is also available to order now.