BERWICK VISUAL ARTS AND CENTRE FOR RURAL ECONOMY ARTISTS RESIDENCY GUIDELINES 2017-18

1.0 Introduction

Berwick Visual Arts is pleased to announce its fifth annual residency opportunity for visual artists, in partnership with the Centre for Rural Economy (CRE) at Newcastle University, which specialises in teaching and research on rural development.

The residency is an opportunity for an artist working in any visual art form to respond to rural issues within the context of Berwick-upon-Tweed and Northumberland, to draw on the resources offered by the CRE to inform the production of new work, and to bring new approaches to rural research at the Centre.

‘The programme leaders and local people were so supportive and encouraging and having six months to really explore my practice and reflect and research the topic at hand was a rare treat… my stay in Northumberland  has helped to redefine the direction of my work for the future as it allowed me the space to challenge my process and find a fresh approach’

Gemma Burditt, Animator and Filmmaker. Artist in Residence 2016-17

2.0 Artists eligibility

The residency opportunity is open to artists based in the UK and EU or artists who already have permission to work in UK.

The residency opportunity requires the applicant artist to have been out of college (BA graduate) for a minimum of 3 years. Those who have completed an MA and / or PhD are also welcome to apply.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to their artistic practice through a track record of creating new work through projects, exhibitions and commissions.

Applicants must be able to work under their own initiative, be able to plan and deliver an outcome for the residency within the budget and timescale available and have the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people including research staff at CRE.

3.0 About the theme of the residency

Materials and Materiality

The landscape of the rural: nature, the rocks, soil, and water ways, together with the human-made buildings and infrastructure, appear to suggest the obvious materiality of place. This is though just one aspect of the materiality of the rural. Rural space is not an empty container nor a site of resources waiting to be exploited.

The material world has an agency and history of its own, it is constantly changing, forming complex systems with the human and non-human world. The cat’s cradle of relations that crisscross the rural landscape rather than the stuff of which things are made, offer a challenging opportunity for an artist.

What might these complex relations mean for the development of policy affecting the rural? What part might the histories of materials play? How might communities actively live with the materiality of the environment in ways that benefit both?

In the application, the artist’s proposal should demonstrate an initial concept, project or way of working that will explore this theme and above questions during the residency and demonstrate how you will deliver this – though we are aware that proposals will evolve once the successful artist is resident in the town.

4.0 Residency practicalities

The residency is for a 6 month period and the artist is required to produce an outcome for public display in Berwick-upon-Tweed at the end of the residency period, though this does not have to be gallery based outcome.

The artist is expected to begin the residency in early October 2017 and to live and work in Berwick for the residency period.

Berwick Visual Arts provides a small studio for the artist in The Maltings Theatre & Cinema and also a one-bedroom flat in the town for the duration of the residency.

The CRE will provide hot desk space for the artist and access to the library and facilities at the University to support any research activity. It also has strong links with the School of Arts and Cultures at Newcastle University enabling access to the Fine Art Department and Culture Lab at Newcastle University.

The successful artist is expected to engage with staff at the CRE and join (or organise) discussions and seminars where appropriate. Monthly meetings will take place at Newcastle University with CRE and BVA staff to inform and support the development of the artwork, and to ensure that the artist is well embedded in research and academic networks.

However, this activity will also need to be balanced with the importance of maximising the artist time in Berwick-upon-Tweed and developing relationships with those who live and work within the town.

The artist in residence will also be expected to provide up to 4 talks / presentations about their work during the period of the residency both in Berwick and Newcastle.

5.0 Fees

The fee available for the residency is up to £7,500. This figure is based on a residency period of 6 months spent living and working in the area. This figure is inclusive of artist’s commission fee, material costs and production costs for the final outcome.

There may be options to apply for further funds through Newcastle University for additional aspects of the residency programme, if this supports specific strands of research and /or encourages public engagement in university research.

Berwick Visual Arts can also offer advice and guidance to develop further artist-led funding applications to support the development of any outcomes from the residency period.

The funding available remains the same when applied to artist collaboration, where 2 or more artists work as one practice.

6.0 Application process

Artists are asked to submit their proposals by completing the application form provided. Applications not using this form will not be accepted.

Shortlisted artists will be invited for interview in Berwick-upon-Tweed on Tuesday 13 June 2017.

Applications will be assessed using the following criteria:

• Eligibility – see point 2.0
• Artistic merit of examples of previous work submitted

• Strength of written proposal – including concept and response to themes.
• Impact and benefits to artist’s own practice.

• Impact and benefit to Berwick-upon Tweed, Berwick Visual Arts and Centre for Rural Economy, Newcastle University.

 APPLICATION DEADLINE IS Tuesday 30 May at 10am (UK Time).