One Ocean Expeditions Sponsors Artist in Residence Program for the Arctic in Conjunction with the Scott Polar Research Institute

The sight of beluga whales, walrus, bearded and ringed seals, birds in the hundreds of thousands, imposing glaciers and the sought-after polar bear, will all be keenly anticipated by passengers on polar cruise specialist, One Ocean Expeditions’ (OOE), 10-day Spitsbergen Encounter cruise, departing on 13 June 2016.  Among those on board will be talented artist, 57-year old Julian Grater from Southampton, who won a place on the trip courtesy of OOE’s sponsorship of the Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) artist in residence programme for the Arctic.

Julian Grater was selected by an independent review panel, who carefully assessed previous work submitted, together with his plan explaining why a visit to the Arctic would support his artistic practice, and what outcomes he envisaged.  Grater also needed to identify and define the audience he believed his work would attract and how he intended to reach them.

Courtesy of generous sponsorship from OOE and Bonhams auctioneers, Grater will travel via Oslo to join the ship in Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) for the 10-day voyage.  Outer polar clothing, together with accommodation, food and excursions whilst on board, will all be included.

Norway’s Svalbard archipelago offers exceptional wildlife and birdlife viewing opportunities, as well as a fascinating lesson in glaciology.  The itinerary takes in the awesome sight of Lilliehook Glacier, which stretches almost seven kilometres and towers up to a height of around 80 metres.

Once a whaling base in the 17th and 18th centuries, the islands are now celebrated as a breeding ground for many seabirds, along with marine mammals and the elusive polar bear.  OOE’s expedition ship, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, boasts a high ice classification, making it ideal for remote polar exploration and allowing it to push further north along the edge of the permanent ice pack.  It is here that polar bears can often be spotted hunting for seals and other protein sources to sustain them through the Arctic summer.

Julian Grater and fellow passengers will be spoilt for subject matter to paint and photograph, with daily shore expeditions to places of historic interest, visits to wildlife colonies, opportunities to view exquisite native flora and soak up stunning landscapes, as well as regular cruises by zodiac and the option to go sea kayaking through the fjords.

“I’m delighted to have been selected for the OOE/SPRI Arctic Artist in Residence program, says Julian Grater. “ I will be making some drawings on route, in addition to my photography, but I suspect that the things that really count and create longevity will happen later in my studio, when I’ve had the chance to reflect back to the voyage and to distil the information, not only pertinent to the thrust of my SPRI proposal, but which also forges a sense of visual continuity with my current practice, the main focus of which has been informed by different aspects of the Arctic for a number of years.”

The Spitsbergen Encounter departing on 13 June 2016 also includes a photographic symposium, with onboard experts specialising in wildlife photography, landscape and composition.  There are still a few spaces left on this departure from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, with prices starting from US $4995pp, based on triple share.

About One Ocean Expeditions

One Ocean Expeditions is a Canadian expedition vessel operator founded in 2007. The company operates two purpose-built ships, each with a high ice-class and carrying less than 98 guests.  The vessels are specifically designed for polar exploration and combine modern comforts and superb amenities with first-class safety features.  Offering a range of innovative expedition cruise itineraries in Antarctica, Spitsbergen and the Canadian Arctic, OOE has developed a reputation for exceptional quality, customer service and great value.

About Friends of SPRI

The association of Friends was established in 1946 to provide individuals with a way of supporting the important work of the Scott Polar Research Institute. Funds are raised through subscriptions of varying levels to suit all pockets. Friends of SPRI provide assistance to all aspects of the Institute’s work as requested by Institute staff, principally through financial and practical help for the Library, Museum and Picture Library.