“THE CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS SHAPING OUR FUTURE” - Art Exhibition at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History

The internationally recognized Oxford University Museum of Natural History is seeking to commission a work of contemporary art for its upcoming Contemporary Science and Society exhibition, The Critical Raw Materials Shaping Our Future, scheduled to run from 17 June 2026 to 13 April 2027. The exhibition investigates the critical raw materials that support modern life, illustrating how they influence scientific research, industrial innovation, global investment, and political decision-making. It underscores their central role in the development of sustainable technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, while addressing the urgent challenge of extracting these materials responsibly without endangering human communities or natural ecosystems. Participants are invited to submit thought-provoking work that meaningfully engages with the exhibition’s themes, presents a fresh perspective, and responds to the unique architectural character of the museum’s gallery spaces. Collaborations between artists and researchers are encouraged, and proposals in all media, including digital formats, are welcome. All submissions will be reviewed by the exhibition team in collaboration with researchers from the Oxford EARTH group. The selected artist will be expected to develop the work between 30 January and 29 May 2026, with final delivery to the museum by 1 June 2026. The artwork will be displayed for the full duration of the exhibition and subsequently returned to the artist.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History, founded in 1860, was established to consolidate the University’s natural science collections and promote research and education in the natural sciences. Today, the Museum continues to preserve and display its internationally significant collections while fostering public engagement, teaching, and scientific research.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History launched its Contemporary Science & Society exhibition programme in 2015, aiming to showcase cutting-edge scientific research and its societal impact.

The exhibition has been developed in collaboration with researchers from the University of Oxford, including contributors from the Oxford EARTH research programme and the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.