Art projects

The British Mycological Society runs the Massee Arts Grant, named after the first President of the British Mycological Society, George Edward Massee. The grant offers financial support for the creation of artistic works that stimulate dialogue between artists, mycologists and the public. The mission of the British Mycological Society is to promote fungal science and we recognise that art, in all its forms, provides a powerful route through which we can attract new audiences, provoke discussion and stimulate interest in mycology. We are showcasing the work of this year’s Massee Arts Grant awardees here!

Massee Arts Grants awarded in 2024

Walking with Mushrooms

Sarah Nicolls and Seb Bacon

Sarah Nicolls is a world-leading concert pianist (called an “edgy Brit” by The Guardian) and runs arts and ecology residencies on her farm in Gloucestershire. Sarah is currently supported by Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation programme in her quest to develop a lightweight vertical grand piano which enables new sounds to be found. She has performed on five continents and has composed her own music since 2005. She is also working to increase biodiversity and habitat on her land in Stroud and makes shows about the environmental pressures of our day.

Seb Bacon is a data engineer and fungus enthusiast. He leads the team at the University of Oxford which generated the first global insights into Covid-19 at the start of the pandemic, using 58 million patient records. In his spare time, he generates data-driven insights for community projects. He is also a mushroom fanatic, frequently leading his children through thickets and up hillsides to spot the latest Gloucestershire and beyond mould, mushroom, fungus.

About Sarah and Seb's project

The majority of common knowledge or interest in fungi is around the 'charismatic' or edible fungi such as Amanita muscaria or Boletus edulis. However, there are fascinating stories to tell about the lesser known groups such as rusts, lichens, and ascomycetes, and fungi that are more commonly found in urban or household settings such as Peziza species.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded a Massee Arts Grant by the BMS. We will be connecting software, data, AI, and musical composition using sounds from the inside of the piano to create immersive sound walks where people can learn about the magic of fungi in their local area."

Fungi Sessions: Give Voice

Hannah Read

Hannah Read is an award winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, singer and composer. Born and brought up in Scotland and now based in Northern California, her music straddles both sides of the Atlantic. Equally at home improvising on fiddle, playing Appalachian old-time music or delivering finely wrought original songs, she is an artist that gets equal thrill touring as an International band leader, as well as a collaborative side-musician.

Portrait photograph: Samuel James Taylor.

About Hannah's project

Reflecting my own emerging understanding of the significance of fungi and fungal science, Give Voice will be a new composition that aims to stimulate widespread interest in the importance, ingenuity and beauty of fungi.

"Wow, I am absolutely delighted to receive this news. What a great honour to be a recipient of the 2024 Massee Arts Grant! Looking forward to diving into writing, arranging and recording this album of new original fungi-inspired music."