Calling all artists and creative practitioners in Derby! Artcore is offering a two-month local residency from May 10th to July 7th, with an opportunity to visit Osnabruck, Germany, for two weeks around late May to early June (dates TBC). This unique experience is open to two Derby-based artists interested in connecting with international artist communities and gaining insights from cross-cultural experiences.

Historically, Osnabruck (in north-west Germany) stands on one of the most important trade routes of Europe. Geographically, the modest city is situated in the mid-north in central Europe with links all over Europe from mediaeval times to the present day.

It is twinned with 5 cities, one of which is Derby. Derby has acknowledged this twinning by naming the most important space in downtown Derby as Osnabruck Square.

In 2022, we successfully developed 7 projects for the artistic communities in Derby and Osnabruck including some educational initiatives. Last year, we built an exciting partnership with Kunstraum Hase29.

Two artists from Derby visited Osnabruck during the Maiwoche Festival in May 2023, while two German artists reciprocated the visit in August 2023, resulting in a collaborative exhibition at Artcore Gallery.

For more project details, please refer to the “Building Bridges Exhibition Launch” using the following link: https://mailchi.mp/7bb2aa806b10/artcore-august2023  

This year, we are delighted to continue our collaboration with Osnabruck as we partner with Atelier m82.

This residency is for Derby artists to understand the various links or points of reference between the two cities and what binds them together.

It is important for the artists to create artworks that become a bridge between Derby and Osnabruck; a bridge of understanding, empathy, and goodwill. Artists can explore any medium they are familiar or comfortable with.

We are offering each artist

• An opportunity to connect with creatives in Osnabruck

• An opportunity to experience Osnabruck’s artistic culture through visits to galleries and museums 

• Accommodation in Osnabruck

• Cash bursary of £1000 towards the residency to cover food, airfare, and material cost while in Germany

• An additional bursary of £1000 towards the production costs of the exhibition 

• A studio space for the duration of the residency in Derby and Osnabruck

• An opportunity to showcase the work produced during the residency in Derby at Artcore Gallery as well as an Open Studio Day in Osnabruck

• Your very own artist blog

• A chance to deliver talks at the galleries in Derby or Osnabruck

• Mentoring support throughout the residency

• A catalogue of the works you create during the residency

• An option to deliver workshops or participatory projects in Derby or Osnabruck

• Publicity and marketing support

 Residency Timetable

Application Deadline: 28 April 2024

Announcement of Selected Artists: 2 May 2024

Residency Dates: 10 May 2024 - 7 July 2024 (8-11 July installation of exhibition in Derby, Artcore Gallery)

Osnabruck Visit Dates: approx 27 May 2024 - 9 June 2024 (exact dates TBC)

Exhibition Dates in Derby: 12 July 2024 - 31 August 2024