About Rachel
Environmental Installation Artist, Creative Producer & Project Developer
Rachel Rea is a West Yorkshire-based environmental installation artist, creative producer and project developer whose work explores the hidden systems that connect people, ecology and the living world.
Drawing on a background in costume, textile and theatre design, Rachel creates immersive environments, sensory experiences and participatory artworks that transform complex environmental and scientific ideas into accessible, engaging encounters. Working across light, sculpture, textiles and repurposed materials, her practice invites audiences to experience ecological systems through curiosity and play.
Alongside her artistic practice, Rachel develops and produces creative projects that bring together artists, communities, researchers, educators and organisations. Her experience spans project development, community engagement, partnership building, workshop design and creative programme delivery, supporting projects from early concept through to public presentation.
At the heart of Rachel's work is a commitment to making the invisible visible. Through themes of biomimicry, circular design, plant sciences, biodiversity and climate resilience, she explores how creativity can help people better understand their relationship with the natural world. Her work often combines environmental storytelling with hands-on participation, creating opportunities for audiences to engage with ecological issues in meaningful and memorable ways.
As the founding director of Immortal Bloom CIC, Rachel champions environmentally conscious approaches to creativity, using art as a tool for learning, connection and positive change. She regularly collaborates with cultural organisations and non-profits, schools, local authorities, researchers and community groups to develop projects that are imaginative, accessible and rooted in sustainability.
Testimonials
““Rachel’s work brings 4D attributes to life. Their work was instrumental in achieving the immersive and sensory experience we were aiming for. Not only this but their use of recycled materials perfectly complimented one of our key themes ‘invasive species’ by highlighting, in such a visceral way, how plastic is also an invader of the natural world.””
“Due to her very dedicated and structured way of working, she was a great support for our project that we could not have realised so successfully without her. We appreciate her open-minded and warm manner. Rachel Rea has always been a joy to work with.”
Current Experience
Rachel Rea BA (Hons)
Environmental Artist | Creative Producer | Facilitator
rachelreaart@gmail.com | 🌐 rachelreaart.com | immortalbloomart.com
Rachel Rea is an environmental artist, creative producer and project developer based in West Yorkshire. Her work combines immersive installation, participatory engagement and creative research to explore ecology, sustainability, heritage and the relationships between people and place.
As Producer and Creative Director of Immortal Bloom CIC, Rachel develops projects that connect communities with environmental issues through art, science and creative learning. She works across public art, festivals, museums, schools and community settings, creating experiences that encourage curiosity, participation and environmental awareness.
Selected Experience
Creative Director & Producer
Immortal Bloom CIC | 2021 – Present
Leading the development and delivery of environmental arts programmes, public engagement projects and creative learning experiences.
Selected projects include:
Unseen Worlds
PET Shop
Connected
Sensory Environments
Community Climate Engagement Programmes
Artist & Project Lead
Unseen Worlds | 2024 – Present
Environmental arts programme combining microscopy, photography, sculpture, mapping and creative facilitation to explore hidden ecological systems with young people and communities.
Partners include schools, community organisations and environmental groups across Yorkshire.
Facilitator & Sensory Environment Designer
Rochdale Science Initiative | 2025
Designed and delivered an immersive underwater sensory environment and environmental arts workshops for families and neurodivergent audiences.
Light Installation Artist
NightGarden Festival | 2025
Presented illuminated installation work exploring ecology, material reuse and environmental storytelling.
Light Night Leeds | 2024
Facilitator & Environmental Educator
Northern Broadsides – Iron Man Project | 2024
Delivered creative workshops exploring landscape, heritage and environmental themes through participatory arts practice.
Artist in Residence
New Creatives Programme | 2023–2024
Developed new research-led work exploring ecology, plant sciences and sensory engagement through installation and public participation.
Assistant Project Manager
Femxle Spaces | VeirD / Leeds 2023 / Cultural Bridge
2022–2023
Supported delivery of an international participatory arts project across Leeds and Dortmund, coordinating artists, workshops, public events and stakeholder relationships.
Assistant Producer
IOU | 2022–2023
Supported the delivery of artistic productions, community programmes and public engagement activities.
Selected Installations & Exhibitions
Radix
Everybody Arts | 2024
Research-led installation exploring plant sciences, soil health and ecological systems through sculpture, projection and interactive experiences.
Wellington Place Piano Competition
Leeds | 2022
Commissioned installation responding to music, public space and audience interaction.
Paisley Dark
Leeds | 2020–2022
Visual coordinator and installation artist creating immersive environments for live music events and cultural programmes.
MicroBihome
Manchester Science Festival / University of Salford | 2019
Interactive light installation exploring microbial ecosystems and environmental futures.
Bloom
East Street Arts | 2019
Immersive installation exploring growth, transformation and ecological relationships.
Connected
2019 – Present
Touring illuminated sculpture installation constructed from reclaimed and repurposed materials.
AquAirium
Manchester Science Festival | 2018
Collaborative installation investigating aquatic ecosystems through immersive design and environmental storytelling.
Facilitation & Learning
Rachel has delivered workshops and participatory programmes for:
Rochdale Science Initiative
Everybody Arts
Northern Broadsides
Leeds Disabled People's Organisation
Schools and Colleges across Yorkshire
Community Organisations and Festivals
Areas of practice include:
Environmental Art
Climate Engagement
Circular Design
Creative Reuse
STEAM Learning
Sculpture & Installation
Sensory Experiences
Public Participation
Community Co-Creation
Earlier Career
Prior to her current practice, Rachel worked extensively in costume, theatre and film design, contributing to productions including HBO's Game of Thrones, ITV's Emmerdale, Northern Opera Group, independent film productions and festival-based theatre projects.
This background continues to inform her approach to storytelling, immersive environments and audience experience.