Deadline: 16 October, 5pm

HOOKED is the first international, open-call gallery exhibition and event programme at Science Gallery London, opening in 2018 on the Guy’s Campus at London Bridge. It explores the neuroscience, psychology, medical and social aspects of addiction and recovery. Is everything we know about addiction wrong? Are the things that get us hooked the things that make life worth living? Do most of us feel the need to fill some kind of inner void?

The HOOKED season delves into the complex world of addiction and recovery. Addiction can be defined as a moral problem, a disease, and even a crime. We look at addiction as a pitfall of being human, a principle of pleasure, an avoidance of pain and consider the underlying factors driving our cravings and desires.

We live in a highly addicted society. In a choice environment encompassing everything from social inequality, genetic predisposition and peer pressure, everyday things transform into addictive substances and behaviours. Our engagement with illicit drugs, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and food, or activities like gambling, work, sex, shopping – even using smartphones – has addictive potential.

When does the balance tip into a harmful cycle and how do we extract ourselves?

The exhibition will include a variety of art works exploring addiction on a personal, clinical, scientific or social level, from a number of different perspectives. A public programme of events, activities, workshops and performances will run alongside the exhibition.

For the open call Science Gallery London are interested in proposals addressing some of the following themes and topics:

• The addiction cycle – craving, harm, recovery, relapse
• The addicted brain – adolescent brains and brain plasticity
• The addiction experience – life as an addict, friends or family
• Stigma – associated with being an addict, wider society
• Individual and social ‘recovery’ – how do we recover from addiction?
• Geography ­– what would an addiction map of London, the UK or the global picture look like? Does place influence addiction?
• Policy – throughout history, evidence has often been made to fit policy, rather than the other way around. How do we build a society where people can form healthier bonds?
• Causes of addiction – What makes people vulnerable to addiction?

The Science Gallery London are looking for up to 14 exhibits and 6 activities, workshops or performances for this season. Proposals will be funded up to a maximum budget of £2000, which should include all artist fees, materials, equipment and travel. One outstanding original work may be commissioned with a higher budget of up to £5000. Please note that these are maximum amounts, not targets. The Science Gallery are happy to write letters of support for applicants seeking funding from elsewhere.

For more information and to apply see: opencall.sciencegallery.com/hooked