The deep sea remains largely invisible to the public. Despite its ecological importance, it is often seen as “out of sight, out of mind.”

The Descent Virtual Art Residency addresses this gap by supporting artists in exploring and communicating deep-sea issues, especially deep-sea mining. Aligned with the UN Ocean Decade’s call for collaboration between science and the arts, the program offers learning opportunities with ocean experts and space for creative work that brings visibility, emotion, and urgency to the deep sea. At a time when public awareness and emotional connection are key to policy and conservation, there is a need for compelling art, imagery, and storytelling that can make these remote, abstract issues feel real, urgent, and human.