SETI Institute Unveils Planetary Futures: A New Residency Bringing Climate and Public Art Together

The SETI Artist in Residency (AIR) program announced Planetary Futures. This new public art research-creation residency explores planetary science, with a focus on climate research. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the residency aims to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and inspire collective action, emphasizing how the study of other planets can provide valuable perspectives to better understand and address climate-related issues on our planet.

Topics of interest include environmental sustainability, planetary habitability, community engagement, long futures, and the Anthropocene. This two-year residency includes a $30,000 
stipend.

"Placing climate- and planet-focused artworks in the public realm creates a powerful interface between artistic expression, the environment, and the broader community," said Bettina Forget, Director of the SETI AIR program. "I look forward to seeing proposals that challenge us to think differently about our planet’s future.”

Dorka Keehn, Principal of Keehn On Art, an art advisory specializing in public art and a member of the California Arts Council, serves as an advisor of the SETI AIR Planetary Futures residency alongside Danielle Siembieda, Senior Arts Manager for the City of San Jose and former Chief Creative Officer for Leonardo/The International Society for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology, and Bettina Forget, Director of the SETI Institute’s Artist in Residence program. Nathalie Cabrol, Director of the SETI Institute’s Carl Sagan Center, contributes her scientific expertise to the residency.

“Planetary Futures expands the role of public art as a catalyst for civic dialogue," said Keehn. "By connecting planetary science with climate justice, this residency invites artists to reimagine how we live together on Earth—and envision a more sustainable, inclusive future.” 

The residency’s team of advisors selected six outstanding artists and invited them to submit a project proposal for the SETI AIR Planetary Futures residency. 

The SETI Institute will announce the recipient of this residency on September 4, 2025.

The six nominees of the Planetary Futures residency are: