Open Call for Artist Residency Program in London

Apr. 1, 2021

Studio Voltaire and LOEWE FOUNDATION are happy to announce a major new award to increase opportunities for under-represented artists in London. This new programme will benefit seven artists with two years of support through a rent-free studio space, professional development opportunities, and a bursary. The second phase of the award, a new year-long residency for an international artist to be based at Studio Voltaire, will also be announced later this year. This programme coincides with the reopening of Studio Voltaire in October 2021, following a transformative capital development project.

In recent years, there has been a significant decrease in studio provision in London. The award has been developed in direct response to the urgent need for affordable and secure workspace for artists. The LOEWE FOUNDATION and Studio Voltaire Award aims to cultivate spaces where artists can connect in a supportive studio environment that facilitates creative possibilities, risk-taking, experimentation and exchange.

The two-year programme provides a range of support starting in August 2021, which includes: a rent-free workspace within Studio Voltaire’s newly developed buildings, a bursary of £1000 per year for each artist, and an individualised programme of mentoring and professional development. It also includes access to curatorial and pastoral support, and local and international audiences via public events programming.

LOEWE Foundation and Studio Voltaire ‘Open Call’, 2021 // Courtesy of LOEWE Foundation and Studio Voltaire

This award has been established to celebrate talent, individuality and original thinking within contemporary art practice. They are inviting applications from artists at all stages of their careers including emerging and under-represented artists, particularly those who are marginalised or experience intersecting forms of discrimination. The programme aims to increase and strengthen equitable representation and access, as well as amplifying artistic voices across class, race, gender, sexuality and disability to fully reflect the diversity of London’s population.

Applications will be received through an open call and via a group of selected nominators. Nominators include Sheryll Catto, Co-Director of ActionSpace; Languid Hands, an artistic and curatorial collaboration between Rabz Lansiquot and Imani Robinson; writer and filmmaker Juliet Jacques; Dr. Mark Sealy, Director of Autograph ABP; Linsey Young, Curator of Contemporary British Art, Tate Britain; and artist, Abbas Zahedi.

Awarded artists will be selected by a panel of leading curators and artists including Sepake Angiama, Artistic Director of Iniva; Andrew Bonacina, Chief Curator of The Hepworth Wakefield; artists Anthea Hamilton and Elizabeth Price; and Studio Voltaire’s Curator of Studios and Residencies, Maggie Matić, and Director, Joe Scotland.