Who Can Apply
We are in our prototype season, so we only accept applicants who are physically in Oxford.
We welcome applicants from all disciplines and backgrounds — yes, really, all.
Whether you study Physics, Politics, or Palaeontology, it doesn't matter.
​​
No curation, art, or design experience required.
​
To apply, submit one short idea or proposal. It can be:
-
A past essay, research topic, or creative project.
-
A question or observation you want to explore.
-
A reflection from your coursework, fieldwork, or journal.
-
A single idea you believe deserves attention, however early or rough.
Expectations
This is a part-time professional experience. Our programme is designed to be one of the most high-impact ways to grow your skills in a short time. It works best when everyone is committed.
​
Here’s what we ask of you:
-
Commit roughly 3-4 hours a week for 8-10 weeks.
-
Show up with intention for workshops, team meetings, and events.
-
Communicate openly, lead your part of the project, and document your work.
-
Collaborate by supporting your teammates and valuing different perspectives.
-
Reflect on your experience and add what you've learned to our shared archive.
What You’ll Learn
Our program is a hands-on lab for creative and professional skills you can apply anywhere. We combine creative design, research, and practical project management.
​
You will learn how to:
-
UX, design, and curate.
-
Turn a big idea or research topic into a clear, civic, real-world project.
-
Understand how people experience a service, space, or story, and design better ways to support them.
-
Communicate complex ideas in clear, engaging, and public-facing forms.
-
Design and facilitate workshops, co-creation sessions, and collaborative research.
In Ruturn, You'll Get
-
Hands-on experience in curatorial design and interdisciplinary teamwork.
-
Produce a public-facing project for your portfolio.
-
Mentorship from researchers, designers, and creative professionals.
-
A growing network of wider cultural and research communities.
-
Alumni are invited back as advisors and collaborators in future cycles.​​
Funding and Support
CCO currently runs on voluntary effort, supported by oxford university and community partners.
We believe creative and intellectual work has financial value, and we are actively building a sustainable model to provide stipends for participants and make it more accessible.
We’ll keep applicants informed as funding opportunities develop.