The Perennial Institute is an experimental educational program exploring art and design through the lens of plants. Co-founded by Berlin-based artist Jai McKenzie and Minneapolis-based designer Julka Almquist, the inaugural week-long program will take place August 19 – 25 in Berlin, hosting artists and designers from across the globe who share an interest in expanding and deepening their practice through a multifaceted exploration of plants. They are taking applications for the Berlin program through July 15.

What were the origins of this idea?

Jai: I had organized an exhibition by artists working with meditative approaches. During the exhibition, a local pharmacist and yogi, Cordula Linke, led a plant meditation, and I felt a deep connection with the basil plant. It was one of those moments where I realized that many artists, myself included, are already working with plants, and that it’s a fantastic way to think through creativity.

I was also feeling  frustrated with current educational structures and art schools, where  costly degrees give little back, considering students’ investment in time and money, and an art industry that seems old and outdated. I felt inspired to design an experience where people can learn and create together in new ways, and Julka, whom I met by chance at Olafur Eliasson’s studio, felt like the perfect collaborator.

Why are you drawn to plants?

Jai: Plants are a fundamental aspect of our existence. They are cohabitants of this planet, and we believe they are our teachers. Plants are part of my consciousness in ways I’m only starting to understand. They nourish me. They liberate my imagination. I care for them, and they care for me.

Julka: Nature, as a domain, feels too big, but plants provide an opportunity to both focus and create expansive thinking. Plants offer a range of inspiration—from tiny pollen structures to huge ecosystems and networks of engagement. There are endless metaphors and potential to translate ideas and structures to different contexts. They also occupy an interesting space between the scientific and the mystical—a lot of creative energy exists in this space.

What does the program entail?

Jai: The program is very much an experiment, and I hope that it will always be like that. We focus on co-learning, co-creation, and collaboration with all of the participants.

To do this, we have created a space of possibility, and within that are experiential tours, sensory-tuning practices, forest and garden exploration, foraging, food arrangement, and Ikebana class. There is also the opportunity to move from concise literary readings to discursive and personal interpretations throughout each day.

What is your pedagogical philosophy?

Julka : We have both taught in traditional art and design school settings and found institutional practices to be limiting. We wanted to create our own framework for teaching that focuses on approaches that are embodied, experiential, feminine, and intuitive. We also believe that learning is inherently social and ought to explicitly present the opportunity to build strong relationships.