Joe Lyward will work alongside teams at Spike Island and Hauser & Wirth Somerset to develop and deliver ‘Should We Plant a Tree?’—a year-long program of events and activities as part of Spike Island’s Engagement program in Bristol, UK.

‘Should We Plant a Tree?’ invites young people and local underrepresented communities to explore our relationships to our futures and futures beyond ourselves. Through a program of discussions, field trips and workshops with artists, participants will reflect on what they care about and what needs to be cared for, co-creating their own proposal for a 100-year project. This program will be a habitat for catalysing change, supporting agency and ambitions, and signalling a deep commitment to the future. Could a one-year program last 100 years?

This opportunity is the second of three Engagement Fellowships for South West-based curators taking place between 2025 and 2028, supported by Hauser & Wirth. The three-year initiative connects Spike Island and Hauser & Wirth’s Learning and Engagement programmes, aiming to support the professional development of artists, young people and independent art workers based in the region.

Since 2014, Hauser & Wirth has been committed to inclusive Learning programs that instigate a dialogue between art, artists and diverse audiences with a focus on first-hand experience. Our ongoing global projects are centered on three core pillars: to engage with communities; enrich academic programs; and foster better access to art careers through a series of meaningful partnerships.

Each partnership is focused on increasing access, support and expertise for professional development within the arts, as well as engaging broader communities with art and artists. These initiatives allow us to work in tandem with our partner organizations over a sustained period, adapting and developing these programs together in order to create long-term meaningful change and a positive impact.