Open Call Artists In-Residence Free 12 month Artists’ Studio Birmingham

Grand Union and Bruntwood are working in partnership to offer an opportunity for two artists to be in residence in Bruntwood’s Cornwall Buildings in Birmingham city centre for twelve months. Now in its second year, the scheme provides a free and specially designed studio space for artists who would be interested in working within the frame and environment of another organisation. Artists Joyce Treasure and Suzi Osborn are currently in residence at Cornwall Studio, producing new work, exhibitions, developing research and undertaking commissions.

As Birmingham approaches an unprecedented surge in growth, it is vital that the city’s arts and cultural scene continues to be supported, as well as developing the city’s home grown talent. Bruntwood is a leading property developer across the North of England and Birmingham. As a group, Bruntwood has a long-term commitment to creating thriving cities, and recognises that both arts and culture are key components to a city’s quality of life, as well as being powerful economic drivers.

Grand Union is committed to providing access to spaces for supporting and advocating for artistic practice in Birmingham and wider social contexts. This artist residency and studio space initiative, in partnership with Bruntwood, further compliments Grand Union’s existing provision of 12 artists’ studios; Modern Clay (a ceramics facility offering open access to artists and community groups in the region); and a Birmingham City University graduate scheme offering four graduates the opportunity to co-work and develop their emerging practice in a supported environment among other artist practices in the city.

Further Information
The residencies will begin in February 2020. Bruntwood and Grand Union will work together to select the two artists they feel would benefit most from the opportunity.

The successful artists will benefit from the following:
- 24-hour access to a free, shared workspace for 12 months.
- Mentoring from Grand Union’s curatorial team.
- Integration within the wider Bruntwood community, and introductions to their clients and customers.
- An open invitation to take part in wider Grand Union social and studio events.
- An exhibition hosted by Bruntwood in one of their buildings.

During the 12 month residency, the following would be expected of each artist:
- To use the Cornwall Studio as their main place of work.
- To host at least one open studio event.
- To hold at least one workshop on a subject of their choice.
- To take part in at least one Digbeth First Friday event.
- To create one unique artwork in response to a brief developed in discussion with Bruntwood and Grand Union. Material and manufacturing costs will be met by Bruntwood and the resulting artwork would belong to Bruntwood to be showcased in one of their properties.

TO APPLY please send in ONE PDF document including: -
○ A proposal which includes an overview of you and your practice (500 words max or a video lasting no longer than 5 minutes)
○ Five images of recent work or web links (max 1200 pixels on longest dimension)
○ A current CV

Your proposal should outline :
1. How you will use the studio/residency?
2. How you would benefit from the residency?

Deadline: 25th October 2019

Grand Union is happy to receive applications from artists and performers of all disciplines and groups, especially those currently underrepresented in the arts sector and actively encourage those from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Send applications to: info@grand-union.org.uk.

Please state ‘Bruntwood x GU’ in the subject header