Sunday 14 October 2007

Artists Residencies at Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Artists Residencies at Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Applications are now invited for the new Artists' Residency Programme. Successful artists will be based for a period of either 3 or 6 months at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, part of Aberystwyth University, in newly built studios designed by the award winning Thomas Heatherwick.

The residencies are open to UK visual artists in all disciplines including applied arts. The successful artists will receive studio space of c. 35 square metres, accommodation, and living expenses for the duration of their residency. The residency will be an opportunity for the artist to step away from the everyday constraints of life and experience time in which to develop individual artistic practice, and to exchange ideas in a creative atmosphere with people from other disciplines.

The selected artists will devote most of their time to pursuing their work, but the following will, by discussion with individual artists, be a part of the experience:

- An informal public talk by the artist about their practice
- Social meetings with other artists and arranged visits to other arts venues in Wales
- Open studio morning once per month by arrangement with the artist
- Open Studio exhibition of work at the end of the residency.
The possibility of the work being exhibited for a longer period in one of the Arts Centre Galleries will be discussed during the residency; as will the potential for any outreach/educational work should the artist wish it.

Up to three artists will be offered residencies at any one time. Other Units in the complex will be in use by a variety of creative businesses.

A residency will cover the following costs for the agreed period: cost of the Studio, including heating, lighting etc; accommodation arranged locally. A fixed sum for living expenses and materials will be awarded. Travel to and from Aberystwyth is borne by the artist.

The amounts currently awarded are: £100 per week living expenses to include travel during the residency period; £25 per week materials allowance.

The studios have basic furniture only. Facilities within the Arts Centre will be available by negotiation, eg. digilab equipment, darkroom, ceramics studio etc.

Applicants will be evaluated on criteria including the artistic or professional excellence of the applicant's work; and the extent to which a residency at Aberystwyth Arts Centre will contribute to the artist's development and be consistent with the applicant's creative goals, and professional development.

HOW TO APPLY
The first residencies will begin in June 2008. Applications are accepted at any time; selection meetings will take place 4 times a year, the first deadline being December 3rd 2007.

Applicants should fill in the Residency application form and send it to the address listed on the form, together with the visual and printed material and references as requested.

If further copies of the form are required, by post or by email, please email etr@aber.ac.uk
Or call 01970 622887/ 621634
Information can also be downloaded from:

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Hill, Aberystwyth SY23 3DE

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