folklore centre residency

We are looking for a mid-career visual artist to spend 6 weeks in The Folklore Centre Todmorden as part of Calderdale Year of Culture’s Artist in Residence Programme. The successful artist will have the freedom and space to develop new ideas, work on existing projects or respond to their new surroundings.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an artist to dive into one of the region’s best folklore archives and to connect with a thriving community.

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

• Local and/or general folklore, customs and traditions

• Local stories, oral histories and curiosities

• Heritage

• Exploration of the landscape and nature

• Storytelling

• Crafts

• Forteana, mysteries and the paranormal

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.

About the folklore centre

The Folklore Centre celebrates cultural heritage through arts, film, crafts, a library and an archive. They host talks, exhibitions, storytelling sessions, conferences, workshops, and a wealth of local folk history, all designed to preserve and share the timeless narratives that connect communities. It is a folklore heritage centre with multiple rotating exhibitions and displays. Mostly produced ‘in house’ but with visiting artists/exhibitions in the main exhibition area and other contributions. 

The Centre is based in central Todmorden. As well as being home to a fantastic archive and library, it has a shop filled with interesting books and artefacts, and the Boggart's Den Tea Room which offers a variety of drinks, freshly baked cakes, and delicious lunches. It also has an exhibition space and a spacious events area. 

The artist will have access to these areas (depending on scheduled activities) and will be able to conduct research, make work and deliver workshops within the space.

Find out more about the centre on their website and social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Residency Details

• Residency Start Date: Week commencing 17th February 2025

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

• 3-4 days dedicated to public engagement sessions - this can be .

• The artist must be able to work at the Folklore Centre during its opening hours: Weds - Fri 10am - 3pm and Saturdays 10am - 6pm.

• Suitable work space will be provided for the artist depending on their needs. This will be negotiated with the venue following recruitment.

• Fee: £155 per day x 20 days = £3,100.

• 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 or 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 or work in Calderdale

• Able to commit to 20 days over 6 weeks 

• Support 3-4 public engagement activities

• Must have public liability insurance

• Must have up-to-date DBS certificate

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

About Everybody Arts 

Everybody Arts is an arts and education charity that uses art to transform people's lives for the better. We foster a genuinely inclusive and accessible approach to the arts and have been at the forefront of creativity and wellbeing work since 2010. We champion art and creativity for everyday life and think that opportunity and engagement with art can make things better for everyone. Our time, space and resources are dedicated to supporting artistic development and community imagination.

calderdale year of culture

Celebrating Calderdale’s 50th anniversary with a year-long programme of creativity and activity, Calderdale’s Year of Culture 2024 is a testament to the spirit of our borough. The Year of Culture brings together Calderdale’s incredible creatives, businesses and residents to bring culture and creativity into the fabric of everyone’s lives.

How to apply

To apply, please submit the following:

• Artist statement and bio.

• Portfolio of previous work.

• Proposal for the residency period (maximum 300 words)

• Artist Resume/CV

Please email your application to zephie@everybodyarts.org.uk with the subject line "Artist-in-Residence Application - [Your Name]." 

Please attach all application materials in a single PDF file. Audio visual links can be embedded with a length not exceeding 10 minutes in total.

application deadline

12 noon, Thursday 30th January 2025

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by our selection committee which includes representatives from Everybody Arts and The Folklore Centre, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview. As we anticipate a high level of interest, we will not be able to provide detailed feedback on unsuccessful applications. 

If you have any questions, please contact Zephie at zephie@everybodyarts.org.uk

Everybody Arts is an equal opportunity organisation and encourages artists from diverse backgrounds to apply.