A large part of the vision of our studio gallery is to provide a platform for the textile and fibre arts to become vibrant and enduring in the 2020’s and on into the future. As one pathway to achieving this vision we offer the opportunity for textile practitioners to experience a residency at our studio gallery. The residency can be of any duration up to 6 weeks long.
For the residency the artist is offered self contained off-grid accommodation onsite adjacent to the studio gallery. They have access to the equipment that is onsite and there is space for them to bring their own specialist kit. The only outlays for the artist are for food, personal requirements, materials for art works and transport. There are no occupancy costs. This is underwritten by the studio gallery.
For a residency the artist needs to apply to the gallery with a proposal of what they would like to explore and learn while here. This will be considered on a case by case basis to ensure that the studio gallery can fully support the artist in their residency.
The proposal needs to outline the processes and materials the artist proposes to use during their stay. In saying this we are fully aware that being in residence can and often does shift this choice in unexpected directions.
We run the residence space in an organic garden, off-grid and as plastic and chemical free as possible so it is important for us to protect these aspects of the environment while the residence is being used for any artistic practices.
An underpinning construct of our studio gallery is to be as environmentally protective as we can be and sensitive to seasons, materials and our impact on nature. We are seeking to support environmentally sustainable practices that use natural materials and non-chemical processes.
If you feel that your practice would align with these aspirations please contact us.
The accommodation has a stand alone sleeping quarters called The Sleep Cloud, accessed off a covered deck. There is room on the deck for up to three large work tables if required. In a secluded area behind The Sleep Cloud there is both an outdoor bath and shower with hot water as well as a sitting area. The main deck opens towards the shared garden space – primary occupants being ducks and chickens with an occasional gardener or lawn mowing person. The main living area of the accommodation contains a fully equipped kitchenette, a bathroom and a large living/making space. There is also a library with art books as well as general reading things for use while on site.
Walking from this accommodation to the gallery space leads you through some of the dye garden and past the dye shed that can be used for any wet processes. (paper making, basketry, botanical printing, dying, wet felting, etc. This space is available to resident artists for their practice development. Above the gallery space is the studio area containing a selection of looms including an 8 harness 48″ wide Sunflower Floor loom with a double sectional back roller system and a 70 harness damask loom. There are also spinning wheels, a sewing machine, and various other pieces of equipment in this space. These tools are available to be used by the resident artists if required.
