Overview of Gasworks International Residency Programme
30th November 1999 - 30th November 1999
Overview
Gasworks International Residency Programme was established in 1994 to provide artists based outside the UK with the opportunity to work in London for a period of up to three months.
Three of Gasworks' twelve studios are dedicated to the residency programme, while the others are rented to London based artists. Together with Gasworks' programme of exhibitions, education projects and international fellowships, the residencies provide artists with an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and often instigate experimentation with new concepts and materials. Residencies are non-prescriptive and process-based, allowing visiting artists to develop projects in response to their new environment, or to conduct research benefiting from London's resources.
The residency programme has established itself firmly in the London arts scene as a result of its contribution to promoting diversity of cultures and practices through its international and experimental projects. Work in progress is displayed during an open studio at which audiences have an opportunity to meet the artist and discuss the work.
To date Gasworks has worked with over one hundred artists from fifty countries across the world, partly through the connections with Triangle Arts Trust and through open submissions. The central aspects of the residencies are as follow:
1. Exchange
Visiting artists spend three months alongside a group of London based artists working in a wide variety of media. Visiting artists are encouraged to make links with other artists, organisations, students and arts professionals in London as a means of establishing a mutual exchange of ideas.
2. Development of Practice
Outside of ordinary constraints such as day jobs, commissions and exhibition deadlines, residencies offer artist the time, space and resources to experiment with their work and try new approaches. Through looking at London's art scene and being in a new context, artists can take away ideas and viewpoints that will inform the development of their practice.
While we do not provide full time artistic assistance, the residency programme offers a strong level of administrative and creative support. Gasworks residency staff are keen to discuss works in progress and assist in sourcing materials, offering local knowledge, contacts and creative input.
3. Talks and Seminars
Early in the residency, visiting artists are asked to present their practice in an informal evening of talks attended by artists, art professionals and the general public. Other activities, such as visits to art schools and special events at Gasworks, can also be organised on an individual artist's basis. The events encourage discussion of the work and serve as an introduction with the potential for the visiting artists to make useful contacts.
4. Open Studios
All residencies culminate in an Open Studio where the artists show the work produced during their time in London. Open Studios run for four days and offer an opportunity for UK audiences to see international work. Unlike exhibitions, Open Studios focus on process and feedback as they often present works in progress and encourage interaction and dialogue between the artists and the audience.
5. Education and Outreach
Depending on the experience, practice and interests of the visiting artist, Gasworks' education and outreach officer can work with them to design and conduct an education and outreach project with community groups. For further information on previous education projects, click here.
Facilities
Three studios are available for artists involved in the residency programme. All studio costs, such as heating, lighting, and water, are covered by Gasworks, and there is a common kitchen area for preparing lunch. No studio equipment is provided, but Gasworks has available for the shared use of visiting artists the following equipment: one digital camera (for short term and on-site use only), one mini DV camera, one PC laptop computer and 24 hour wireless internet for those using their own laptop computers.
Gasworks has contacts with organisations in London (darkrooms, video editing and print making facilities) that can provide the use of equipment for visiting artists at reduced rates. Studios include basic furnishings (desk and chair). Access to office equipment (photocopiers, fax, computers for email and internet) are available upon request during office hours.
Gasworks currently arranges for artists to live in local, shared accommodation, where we have excellent relations with the landlords.
