Artist in residency call out two

18 Sept

Did you know we've launched an exciting new Artist in Residency programme? These residencies will take place at a range of inspiring venues across Calderdale, offering artists unique spaces to create.

Our first two venues include the iconic Shibden Hall, home of Anne Lister, and the peaceful Ogden Water Nature Reserve—both offering stunning environments for artistic exploration.

We’re also thrilled to announce the second round of residencies, which includes The Smith Art Gallery, a beautifully crafted Victorian gallery and public library, and the vibrant King Cross Library in the heart of Halifax, a buzzing community hub.

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. We are offering artists the freedom to develop their practice and welcome proposals that are carefully considered and respond to each unique venue.

the venues

The Smith is home to a permanent exhibition of Victorian oil paintings, based on the themes of ‘people and places’ and includes works by John Atkinson Grimshaw and Thomas Sydney Cooper. Meanwhile, the rear gallery hosts changing displays, covering a wide variety of themes from local artists to touring exhibitions.

The Smith is also surrounded by a beautiful park and gardens. The gallery was funded by Alderman William and Susannah Smith and donated, along with their collection of artwork, to the people of Brighouse in 1907.

Responses to the extensive Victorian art collection currently on display in the Gallery
The people and places of Brighouse and Calderdale
History of Brighouse
Social history
Textiles
Nature themes responding to the Rydings park and gardens
The region’s industrial heritage

King Cross Library is one of the most vibrant and thriving libraries in Calderdale, serving some of the most diverse communities in the valley. It is accessed by families and communities from global majority backgrounds and is a meeting place for groups including refugees and those seeking asylum. It has a fantastic mezzanine space where the artist will be based and from which they can connect with local communities and run workshops.

We are offering an artist the freedom to develop their own practice in whatever way they see fit, but also welcome proposals that respond to this unique venue. Here are some possible themes you could consider:

Themes relating to global majority communities
Themes relating to displacement and fleeing war and persecution
The people and places of King Cross and Calderdale
Books and literature

Residency Details

Residency Start Dates for both The Smith Art Gallery & King Cross Library are from 28th October 2024
Duration: 6 weeks. 20 days over a 6-week period to be negotiated with the venue. The residency must be completed by Christmas 2024.
3-4 days per week at the venue, with one day dedicated to public engagement activities
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 or work in Calderdale wanting 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 during opening hours.