Artist in residency call out

Written By Jules Rimer

Have you heard? We have launched a new and exciting artist in residency program that will take place throughout 2024 and 2025! The program has been created in partnership with Calderdale Year of Culture and with local venues across Calderdale. We have released the first two venues which includes the home of Anne Lister at the iconic Shibden Hall and also the serene outdoors of Ogden Water Nature Reserve. Both offer a unique and beautiful space for artists work in.

About the residencies Programme

The programme will bring local visual artists to venues across the borough throughout the Year of Culture, in which the public will be able to see and interact with their creative practice. Immersed in a new environment, the residencies will celebrate the culture and creativity of Calderdale by allowing each artist to explore new ideas while engaging with the local community. People will have the chance to work with the artist in a series of fully accessible workshops and engagement activities, providing space for the exchange of ideas between artists and their communities.

The briefs

Each venue offers its own themes and stories which we encourage artists to weave into their work. Although we want to offer artists the freedom to develop their practice in whatever way they see fit, we would welcome proposals that respond to each unique venue.

the venues

Ogden Water Nature Reserve

Shibden Hall

Learn more about each venue by using the plus signs below

  • Shibden Hall dates back to 1420 and offers visitors a fascinating journey through the lives of the people who lived and worked here, including the noted diarist Anne Lister (1791 - 1840).

    Shibden Hall’s architecture is a mix of styles reflecting its interesting and varied history. The Hall is surrounded by the beautifully restored gardens and estate that forms Shibden Park. There are a range of features and attractions, including a cafe and visitor facilities, miniature railway, boating lake, walking trails, play area, orienteering course and woodland in which to roam. 

    Shibden Hall is the focus of the BBC drama series written by Sally Wainwright, 'Gentleman Jack' exploring the life of Anne Lister.

    Here are some possible themes you could consider, but please feel free to develop your own:

    • Anne Lister and her legacy

    • History of Calderdale and Shibden Hall

    • The Shibden Hall arts and folk craft collections

    • Social history

    • LGBTQ+ issues

    • Nature themes responding to Shibden Park

  • Ogden Water Local Nature Reserve is located 4 miles North of Halifax. There are numerous woodland trails and waterside paths to explore, including 1 ¼ miles of wheelchair accessible pathway around the reservoir and through sections of the woodlands. If you get up high to the edge of the woodlands you will be rewarded with stunning views extending across Calderdale, Bradford and as far as Selby and the Peak District.

    Ogden Water is a Local Nature Reserve. The estate comprises a 34 acre reservoir enclosed by woodland with open moor beyond. The heather uplands and peat moors form part of a Special Protection Area that is of international importance for breeding birds such as curlew, snipe, grouse and various birds of prey.

    Over 300,000 people, (and increasing!), visit Ogden Water every year for walking, picnics, family outings and nature activities.

    Here are some possible themes you could consider, but please feel free to develop your own:

    • Environmental themes such as climate change and biodiversity

    • Ogden Water is home to a sphagnum moss project that could provide inspiration for a project

    • Importance of moorland habitat

    • Projects relating to nature

    • Projects utilising natural or sustainable processes

Residency Details

  • Residency Start Date: 5th August

  • Duration: 6 weeks. 20 days over a 6-week period to be negotiated with the venue.

  • 3-4 days per week at the venue, with one day dedicated to public engagement activities

  • Access to classroom space which backs onto a private woodland

  • Access to all areas of the nature reserve, excluding the reservoir and the reservoir bank

  • 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month the classroom space will not be available

  • Fee: £154.38 per day x 20 days = £3,087. Using Artist Union England recommended Residency rate of pay for artists with 3+ years experience)

  • Production Budget: access to a £1,000.00 production / access / materials budget


Criteria

The opportunity is open to mid-career visual artists (3 years + professional experience) who live and work in Calderdale who want to immerse themselves in a unique environment, develop a body of work and engage a diverse and vibrant community with their practice. 

We are looking for:

  • Visual artists

  • Mid-career (3+ years professional experience)

  • Live and work in Calderdale

  • Able to commit to 20 days over 6 weeks (Please state in your application if you would like to spread the 20 days over a longer period, we may be able to offer some flexibility)

  • Deliver 6 public engagement sessions (one per week)

  • Must have public liability insurance

  • Must have up-to-date DBS certificate

  • Must be able to transport themselves to and from the venue

  • Must be able to work at the venue in opening hours.

We are thrilled to be working on this exciting new program in partnership with Culturedale.

Jules Rimer
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