Open Call: ‘Uncertain Futures’ Residency Programme

SaltSpace would like to invite emerging artists based in Scotland to submit proposals for our new residency programme funded by Creative Scotland and in partnership with Print Clan, Glasgow Ceramics Studio, Street Level Photoworks and Galgael.

‘Uncertain Futures’ residency programme invites proposals from emerging artists based in Scotland to respond to the uncertainty of our current state, for example the cost of living crisis, climate emergency and the Covid-19 pandemic, though artists are free to interpret in other ways. These residencies aim to comment on our collective future as we move through unsettling times while offering artists space to process and create. ’Uncertain Futures’ title touches upon the current vulnerabilities in our society at present, particularly for artists. The purpose of these residencies is to allow artists to comment on our shared future as we face significant changes and to provide them with a supportive environment to cultivate their artistic expression.

Another important reflection for this residency programme will be the selected artists’ aim to consider the sustainability of their practice. Artists will be encouraged to examine social and environmental issues within their practice in light of the climate and ecological crisis, material use and how their future professional work will cause impacts as they design and build. Forging sustainable relationships with local organisations that can support their practice for future projects will also be a priority. 

Sustainable creative practice and productivity during a cost of living crisis can seem insurmountable but by catalysing a familiarity with artists around them and making local facilities more approachable, Saltspace can help lessen this obstacle by offering financial support, connections, professional development, community and space, allowing more freedom to experiment creatively, to be ambitious and to take risks during our current state where unprecedented barriers exist.

Residents will receive:

  • 8 hours of specific skill based training per artist through access and development of skills from their proposed medium and assigned local organisation.

  • Studio space in our SaltSpace studios in Dornoch Street, providing 24 hour access for six weeks of your residency.

  • Artist’s fee of £1,000 per artist for the six week period with the additional opportunity to apply for £300 travel/accommodation bursary for artists out-with the Glasgow area and/or on universal credit.

  • Session with Sustainability Coordinator John Thorne from Glasgow School of Art, who will discuss ways to improve the sustainability in your practice.

  • Cumulative group exhibition encompassing work from all four residencies at SaltSpace gallery, with accompanying commissioned publication featuring a variety of submissions from fellow SaltSpace members’ drawings, poetry, essays, etc. also responding to the title ‘Uncertain Futures’.

​More Information