Gasworks Participation Residency for Artist (UK)

Gasworks’ Participation Residency aims to challenge expected forms of participation programming within a contemporary art environment. Over 8 months, the selected artist will deliver a cohesive project that makes space for collaboration and co-creation in imaginative and enjoyable ways. The project should compromise a diverse range of at least 10 participatory events, workshops, and other collaborative activities that responds to the needs, experiences and migratory journeys of community groups in Lambeth and Southwark. The selected artist should also address issues of wellbeing and vulnerability in these communities and take inspiration from Gasworks’ wider artistic programme.

The programme developed by the resident artist should incorporate the artist’s own practice and lead to a clear final outcome. They are however flexible about what forms this takes, so it could be a publication, film, podcast, exhibition, performance, digital artwork, sculpture or anything in between.

What you will get?

• The selected artist will receive:
  • A daily fee of £250 per day (a total of £16,000, with the expectation to work 2 days per week over an 8 month period).
  • A programme budget of £4,725 to cover all activities, the final outcome, and any fees for external support.
  • Administrative, pastoral, and curatorial support from Gasworks’ Participation Coordinator, Curator and the Participation Advisory Board.
  • The artist will have access to Gasworks’ Participation Space (shared with other programmes and the Gasworks team) for residency activities.
  • Support from a Mental Health Advisor.

What they expect?

• The selected artist is expected to:
  • Plan, develop and deliver events and activities for the local community in Lambeth and Southwark, in consultation with Gasworks’ Participation Coordinator and the Participation Advisory Board. Events and activities should be part of an overarching project underpinning the 8-month residency.
  • Devise activities that clearly reach out to, open space for, and meet the needs of specific migrant communities, social groups and partner organisations who may benefit from greater involvement with contemporary art.
  • Attend monthly Participation Advisory Board meetings to provide updates on planned activities and draw on the Board’s expertise as the project evolves.
  • Commit to working in accordance with the Participation Advisory Board’s terms of reference.
  • Work closely and collaboratively with other Gasworks staff to develop and platform the work that is developed through the Participation Residency.
  • Engage in discussions around mental health and wellbeing and how these issues affect the communities they work with, supported by a Mental Health Advisor and the Participation Advisory Board.
  • Prepare, manage, and monitor the project budget with the support of the Participation Coordinator, and assist with gathering data and feedback from participants.

Eligibility Criteria

• The open call is for contemporary artists based in London, who have experience of working with communities and/or groups of people.
• They welcome applications from contemporary artists of all ages, working in any discipline.
• Essential:
  • An interest in working with local communities.
  • Keen to explore and develop new models of participatory practice.
  • An interest in issues of mental health and wellbeing.
  • Outstanding empathy, patience and an ability to listen.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Experience of managing budgets.
  • Experience of developing and delivering participatory activities and projects, and the ability to think and plan creatively, collaboratively, and strategically.
  • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Awareness of access issues, child protection and working with vulnerable people.
  • An understanding of Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities.
• Desirable:
  • Multilingual
  • Lived experience as a migrant or refugee
  • Awareness of education and community working in the public sector
  • Knowledge and understanding of current best practice around participation
  • DBS checked

For more information, visit Gasworks.