Artist in Residence
In 2019 the Festival launched an artist in residence programme. Funded by the Ampersand Trust, the programme awards an established, UK-based artist a 3-month period of dedicated studio time, based in an 18th Century cottage on the outskirts of Wirksworth.
Time & space to think…
The programme provides the time and space for a mid-career artist to rethink their work and develop new directions, taking inspiration from life in and around Wirksworth.
An outsiders view…
Each year the Festival’s selection panel chooses an artist who is new to the area so the outcomes of the residency will reflect an aspect of the locality from an outsider’s point of view – its rich landscape, industrial history and diverse architecture and community.
During the residency period the artist works in and with Wirksworth’s community of residents and artists to create a new body of work in progress to exhibit during the Festival of the residency year – this might include sketches, small pieces, writings, audience talks and workshops. The artist will then use all their learning and resources to produce a final, major piece of work for the following year’s Festival.
