Artist Residencies

What do we require FROM RESIDENT ARTISTS?

• 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.

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 are open throughout the year but we review them as a team quarterly. 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