How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in Gasworks International Residency Programme. This page tells you how to be considered for a residency. Please read the information below carefully.
Artists may be invited on a residency at Gasworks via two routes: firstly, via sending us an expression of interest. There is no deadline for this – we can receive expressions of interest at any time. All artists suitable for the programme in general are eligible to approach us via this route. Information on this process is detailed below. Residencies arranged via an expression of interest happen as a result of mutual fundraising; we have no devoted funds for artists who are selected this way.
Secondly, Gasworks regularly calls for applications for more specific, funded project awards for which you may be eligible. Funding and partnerships permitting, we aim to make these opportunities available annually. We recommend that, if you are eligible for one of these opportunities, artists take this route rather than an expression of interest. Please click on these for information and application procedure. These are:
The Charles Wallace India Trust Residency – For emerging to mid career artists based in India. Deadline 31 January 2009. Artists will be notified in April 2009.
The Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust & Rangoonwala Residency 2008 - For emerging to mid career artists based in Pakistan. (closed)
Cartier Award 2008 - for an international artist less than 5 years out of art school, in partnership with Frieze Projects (closed)
The Konstfack Graduate Award - for the graduating year of the Fine Art class of the Konstfack School of Arts, Crafts and Design, Stockholm (closed)
CURRENT DEADLINES TO RECEIVE APPLICATIONS:
'Expressions of interest': ongoing
Expressions of interest
Receiving an expression of interest from an artist allows us to get an idea of her/his practice without requiring the expense, work and time necessary from the artist for a full application. Then, if we feel it may be possible to invite the artist on the programme, we may invite him/her to send further materials and begin a discussion about possible residencies.
All expressions of interest will be responded to, however due to the limitations of funding and space on the programme, not all will result in an invitation to submit further materials.
Expressions of interest may be sent at any time. Please send this by email, unless access to email is particularly difficult.
Expressions of interest must be clearly marked as such in the subject line of the email and should include:
- A curriculum vitae including contact details: name, e-mail and telephone number.
- Up to 10, low resolution files (images or other), or links, of recent work.
- A short statement which puts your materials (images, links or relevant documentation) into context by giving further information about the works, an idea of your artistic concerns / areas of interest, and why you are interested in a residency at Gasworks.
- An indication of possible sources of funding* for the residency.
We understand that this process may not offer us a full understanding of your practice. The expression of interest exists purely as an introduction, and this will be fully taken into account when viewing.
*Residencies are programmed at least one year in advance, and funding must be secured at least six months in advance for a residency to take place. Gasworks assists selected artists in raising funds for the residency, however, it is useful to hear suggestions of funding available in applicants’ home countries.
Expressions of interest should be sent to:
Marcus Mitchell, Residencies Assistant
by email on marcus@gasworks.org.uk
or by post at
Catalina Lozano, Residencies Coordinator
Gasworks International Residency Programme, 155 Vauxhall Street, London, SE11 5RH, UK
For further enquiries please call: +0044 (0)20 7587 5202
The Residency Programme – further information
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 two 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.
6. Facilities
The programme is open to artists who work in all disciplines, however one must note the restricted 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, a computer room equipped with two G4 Mac computers and a colour printer, 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 landlords.
