Artist Residencies

ARTSPACE RESISPACE – Artists Support (in kind) Residencies Scheme

Artspace Lifespace offer artists residency opportunities to develop specific or open-ended projects and to test works in progress. This opportunity is open to artists working across art forms from Bristol and beyond.

Artspace Lifespace is a registered Charity. Our objective is to promote art for the benefit of the public through the establishment and maintenance of facilities for artists from a variety of artistic practices in which they can create work, collaborate, and present and perform their work for the public.

Our projects operate as self-funded with all income generated by the use of our spaces invested back into the project and our studio holder artists.

Why?

We would like to support artists working across art forms with the access space to further develop their individual or collaborative ideas and projects.

In this section

What we offer?

  • Access to space-in-kind (free)
  • A letter of support for funding applications or for your work in general
  • Your work can be featured on our website / social media
  • Ongoing artists’ support from our Management Team

What do we require FROM RESIDENTS?

  • Images or video of you using our space for your residency to be shared with us and a testimonial for marketing purposes.
  • Evaluation of your Residency and monitoring data if applicable.
  • Flexibility around dates requested.
  • Artspace Lifespace named as a supporter and our logo is incorporated on any publicity, promotion material, PR if the R&D using our space results in a show/exhibition/event.

Plus one or more of the following at the end of our Residency:

  • A final piece showing (scratch event)
  • A talk or Q&A open to other artists (learning)
  • Mentoring a young artist (time)

Should you require, we would be happy to discuss the above in more detail in a 1-2-1 meeting to allow us to design the residency terms most suitable for you or your group.

How to apply?

  • 200 words outlining your current practice, how you intend to use the space and the benefit you may gain
  • 100 words on why you wish to work with us
  • A list of your space requirements (which space you need at any of our projects together with the requested start and end dates)
  • 3 images of your work
  • Website and social media links to your work
  • Your end-of-residency proposal which you think best suits your time with Artspace Lifespace i.e. talk, artist surgery, mentoring, performance or exhibition.

Please note that preference may be given to artists who have not already benefited from residency space at one of Artspace Lifespace venues or from the Invisible Circus LaunchPad residency scheme and evaluating your residency is a condition of your residency offer. We do not normally offer residency space for events where tickets or products are being sold commercially. An exception to this is for public tours run by the Friends of Ashton Court Mansion.

Our 2025 Residency Offer:

  1. Space in Kind at one of Our Venues:

The Island                https://artspace.uk/venue/the-island email: info@theisland.uk

Residency opportunities across 4 rooms in The Island offering access to up to 20 hours of space-in-kind support.

  • 2 residencies in the Dance Space
  • 2 residencies in the Gallery Space
  • 2 residencies in the Circus Training Space
  • 1 residency in the Basement Venue (for the development of work or exhibitions only not events)

The Vestibules:       https://artspace.uk/venue/vestibules/ email: thevestibules@artpsace.uk

We can offer periods from 2 weeks up to 2 months of free residency space at the Park Street Vestibule, located next to city hall with a particular focus on socially engaged art exhibitions.

Arts Mansion         https://artspace.uk/venue/arts-mansion  email: artsmansion@artspace.uk

2 x 3 day residencies (9-5pm) for rehearsals and creative R&D in the Music Room

2 x 6 hour residencies for Creatives and Groups using our Panelled Lounge or Great Hall.

Please contact us if you have an interesting idea for an exhibition that is over a longer period so we can explore this with you

Sparks Bristol         https://sparksbristol.co.uk/departments/imagination/ email: bookings@sparksbristol.co.uk

Residency space for exhibitions, free public workshops, and collaborative events.

We have residency opportunities at Sparks offering access of up to 20 hours of space in-kind support for Sustainability art workshops plus R&D of new work including:

Dance X 1
Theatre x 1
Other Art / Performance x 1

We also can accept applications from individuals and groups of artists who want to invigilate a solo/group exhibitions on our first floor Department of Imagination at any time.

When can I apply?

Applications for Space in Kind Residencies between Jan – September 2024 are now open. Please note that we do not normally accommodate residencies between October and December as this is one of our busiest periods.  

The Island is unique in that it not only offers a wonderfully exciting space in which to stage work or respond to it’s heritage in regard to site specific concerns, but it also fosters community and supports artwork. The Island is different; it is home to the challenging, the creative, the alternative and the adventurous. The Island is alive. The Island makes art work.

Thomas Bacon, performance artist & curator Tempting Failure

“It was a real pleasure exhibiting at The Vestibules. Kathryn was supportive and inventive in the early stages and Lucie and Dan were hands on deck and accommodating before and during the event. I will book that beautiful space with those wonderful people as soon as I have a new project to show.”

Tina Gue, – Photographer

How to apply?

Artspace Lifespace Residencies 2025

Please complete the form above where you will be asked for:

  • A list of your space or consultation requirements (which venue, space or staff support you need together with the requested start and end dates)
  • Website and social media links to your work
  • 200 words outlining your current practice, how you intend to use the space and the benefit you may gain
  • 100 words on why you wish to work with us
  • Your proposal for your end of residency event which you think best suits your time with Artspace Lifespace i.e. talk, artist surgery, mentoring, performance or exhibition.

If you are having trouble submitting via the Google Docs form, please email info@artspace.uk with the subject 2025 Artspace Residencies to request a form or to apply in a different way. Applications can be submitted via video if preferred.

Please note that preference will be given to artists who have not already benefited from Artspace ResiSpace or the Invisible Circus Launchpad residency scheme within the last 2 years. You must complete the Artist Resident Feedback form at the end of your Residency.