South Africa

Gasworks Residency Open Call for South African and Zimbabwean Visual Artists 

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Gasworks has announced an open call for artists in the early stages of their careers for a residency. This opportunity is for artists, working across all disciplines, based in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Applications from artists living outside these countries will not be prioritised. The fully funded 11-week residency at Gasworks in London will hold from 2 October to 18 December 2023. 

Image courtesy of Gasworks

Residencies programs at Gasworks provide opportunities for self-directed professional development, artistic interchange, and experimentation. Every year, they host up to sixteen residencies, inviting emerging and early-career international artists to work for three months alongside a community of nine London-based peers. The new works will be made available to the public through open studios and events. These opportunities encourage interaction, dialogue, and professional networking. 

Chigozie Obi, The Photographer, 2020. Oil and strawboard on canvas. 40.5 x 51 cm, 107 x 137 cm, 40.5 x 51 cm
Image courtesy of the Chigozie Obi/Gasworks 

Throughout the residency, Gasworks provides extensive pastoral and curatorial assistance; however, artists are expected to be proactive and self-motivated, leading research and production of their work while in London. Selected artists should be able to engage discursively and speculatively with Gasworks’ environment and London’s wider artistic and cultural context. Applicants should include a project proposal within their application, outlining their specific research interests and intentions for the residency. 

Applicants will have access to: 

  • 24-hour access to a fully accessible private studio at Gasworks, alongside other visiting artists and Gasworks’ permanent studio holders
  • A public Open Studio event displaying work produced during the residency at Gasworks which will take place on the tenth week of the residency
  • All visa costs covered and support during the visa application process
  • Economy return flights from the artist’s home city to London, including 1 cabin and 1 hold luggage
  • Single room accommodation within Gasworks’ Residency House (a 2-story house, shared with 3 other artists-in-residence), with share of the communal bathrooms and kitchen
  • A weekly stipend of £150 for living expenses
  • A materials budget of £800
  • Access to Gasworks’ tools and AV equipment, subject to availability
  • A prepaid travel card (TFL zones 1+2) for unlimited travel within central London for the duration of the residency
  • Administrative, pastoral and curatorial support from Gasworks (during office hours, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-6pm)
  • A dedicated residency page on Gasworks’ website
  • A short video interview and presentation in advance of the Open Studio to introduce the artists’ work and the video will be permanently added to the residency page on Gasworks’ website
  • At least 2 individual studio visits with curators and arts professionals (meetings will be in person however on occasions and when relevant they will also happen virtually)
  • Opportunities to meet with other artists, arts professionals, patrons and collectors through at least 2 organised lunches and/or dinners
  • At the end of the 11 weeks a written report will be required summarising the artist’s experiences during the residency, a template will be provided
Bronwyn Katz, KÃXU-DA (I) (BECOME LOST US), 2019. Bedspring, wire, and pot scours
Image courtesy of Bronwyn Katz/Gasworks

There will be a selection panel to ensure a wide perspective on and in-depth knowledge of the contemporary art scene in the UK and Africa. Gasworks representatives will also be present, as well as external advisors. The deadline is on 22 May 2023 (Midday UK Time). Successful applicants will be notified by 5 June 2023. 

You can find more information on how to apply here

Author

Iyanuoluwa Adenle is a graduate of Linguistics and African Languages from Obafemi Awolowo University. She is a creative writer and art enthusiast with publications in several journals. She is a writer at Art Network Africa.

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