How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide to Our International Artist Residency Programme

NCUE Print Studio

We’re excited that you’re considering applying for our SUP international artist residency programme! To help us better understand your work and your vision, please follow the application guidelines below. We hope this guide will make the application process smooth sailing, and if you have any questions along the way, we’re here to help!

Why Apply?

The International Artist Residency Programme offers a rich, supportive environment where creativity, community, and professional development intersect. Whether you’re looking to create innovative work, connect with an international community, or inspire future generations of artists, this residency offers unparalleled opportunities.

If you’re ready to embark on a transformative artistic journey, we encourage you to apply and become part of this exciting programme. We’re here to help you navigate the process and provide support every step of the way.

Eligibility and Who Should Apply

To be considered for our International Artist Residency Programmes, applicants should meet the following criteria or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience and skills in the areas listed below:

Please note that this opportunity is specifically to support artists based in the UK.

1. Professional Experience in the Arts

   • Working as a professional artist and participating in artist residencies within the last three years.

2. Educational Background

   • A minimum of an MA-level qualification or equivalent experience in your field of art.

3. International Exposure

   • Experience travelling outside of the UK and EU, ideally to non-Western countries, and an openness to learning from new cultural contexts.

4. Exhibitions & Artistic Practice

   • A proven track record of exhibiting in both group and solo shows, showcasing an ongoing and evolving arts practice.

5. Current Practice

   • A strong, current arts practice based in the UK that is actively evolving and pushing boundaries.

6. Adaptability and Cultural Sensitivity

   • The ability to adapt to new and diverse working environments, and to respond to culturally sensitive contexts with respect and openness.

7. Workshop Design & Facilitation

   • Experience in designing and implementing artist-led workshops, with written evidence of previous workshops conducted within the last two years.

8. Community Engagement

   • Prior experience working in community outreach programs, engaging with diverse audiences, and contributing to social or cultural initiatives.

9. Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check

   • A current enhanced DBS check (from the past year), ensuring safe interactions with children and vulnerable individuals.

10. Experience in Education & Working with Children

    • Practical experience working with children and young people, particularly in educational settings or community projects.

11. Digital Literacy

    • Basic knowledge of Adobe software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator) for creating digital content related to your artwork or workshops.

12. Social Media & Blogging

    • Experience with social media platforms and blogging, including sharing your artistic process and engaging with a wider audience online.

Your 6 Required Submission Items

To apply, please send us the following:

1. Your CV, including your relevant experience.

2. A concise artist’s statement.

3. 10-15 JPEG images of your recent work, which should showcase your artistic practice.

4. A detailed proposal (1000-2000 words, excluding references) outlining your approach to the residency. This should include:

   • Your personal brief and artistic goals.

   • Ideas for workshops you would like to run with students or the community.

5. One arts project reference and one employment reference from the past three years. Each reference should include a letter on official letterhead, with contact details (including phone numbers) for the individuals.

6. Please also provide a UK enhanced DBS certification from the past year. If you're unable to provide this, please include a brief explanation in your proposal.

Tips for Strengthening Your Proposal

When preparing your proposal, please think about these points:

• How your artistic practice will engage and inspire the local student body, while being mindful of cultural, social, economic, and religious sensitivities.

• Potential outreach projects and how they could connect with the local community, considering natural resources and the environment.

• How you will balance travel, time management, and your artistic practice during your residency.

How to Submit

Please send your complete application to our official SUP email by the submission deadline.

If you have any questions or need more details, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll respond as quickly as possible and look forward to hearing from you!

Submission Review Process

If your application is shortlisted, we will invite you to present your proposal to the SUP team, either in central London or online. During the interview, we will assess the clarity, structure, and technical proficiency of your ideas. Following the interview, the outcome of your application will be communicated via email shortly. Candidates are expected to confirm their participation in the programme upon receipt of the notification. A formal agreement will then be arranged to finalize the details of your involvement.