Artist in Residence Programme
The Lodge Residency: A funded residency in the Derbyshire Dales
Would you like the chance to spend 3 months in the Derbyshire Dales to take some time to stand back and think about what you do, maybe consider a new direction?
Funded by the Ampersand Foundation, the Artist in Residence programme enables an established artist with a minimum of 5 years practice to undertake a funded residency in the Derbyshire Dales during the Summer of 2025.
We are looking for a visual artist who would explore the area from an outsider’s point of view – the landscape, diverse architecture, industrial past and community, and develop a body of work based on their time here. The residency would include a major exhibition at Wirksworth Festival in 2026 of the work developed during and after the time spent here.
Applications for the 2025 – 26 Artist in Residence programme are now CLOSED
Stef Kerek is our 2024 – 25 Artist in Residence read more about her and her work here.
Time and space to think
During the residency period (July – September 2025), the selected Artist in Residence works in and with Wirksworth’s community of residents and Artists to create a new body of work. Initial progress will be exhibited during the Festival’s Art Trail weekend (13th – 14th September 2025). The Artist then uses all their learning and resources to produce a final, major piece of work for the following year’s Festival.
Included in the programme
The successful applicant will be provided free of charge, with an C18th century cottage with adjoining studio 1.5 miles from the town of Wirksworth. Your own transport is advisable as the cottage is fairly isolated and not on a bus route. You would also need your own personal studio equipment.
A £3,000 fee is paid to the artist. The Festival also has a budget for the total set up costs of the exhibition in 2026.
Eligibility: A UK resident, not local to the Derbyshire Dales, visual artist wishing to refresh and develop their practice.
Application process
Applications are made online here.
We will accept applications between 1st January – 7th February 2025. You will need to include a 300 word proposal illustrating how you might approach the residency and what you would hope to achieve. Also upload your current CV and 6 images of recent work.
