Call for Entries: New Artist Collective #3

 

Applications Open: Thursday 31st October 2024

Application Deadline: Monday 25th November 2024, by midday

UKNA Weekend Celebration of Creativity, Derby 2024. Work by Divija Melally, photo by Tom Morley.

 

Building on the success of our People, Place and Practice programme, UK New Artists (UKNA) is launching a test of a new multi-site format. This new and exciting iteration of the programme will invite artists to take part in micro-residencies focused on fostering intra-regional collaboration across four locations in the East Midlands; Nottingham, Derby, Lincoln, and Worksop.

UK New Artists launched the first iteration of People, Place and Practice in Lincoln in 2022, and 2024 saw our second iteration of the programme take place in Derby. The programme offers a unique opportunity that centres on collaborative exploration and creating an integrated journey for creatives, places, communities and young people.

New Artist Collective #3: Why apply?

UKNA is seeking 16 UK-based artists to join New Artist Collective #3 (NAC3). Themed around "The Art of Language", NAC3 offers a unique opportunity to participate in one of four micro-residencies designed to foster collaboration, exploration, and growth. You will work in groups of four, led and guided by a lead artist. We consider this opportunity fluid, as it can run alongside your existing practice but also gives you the opportunity to step out and reflect on your process and recharge creatively whilst challenging your practice in new ways.  

We’re looking for artists who are ready to contribute to creative discourse, value the collective experience, seek inspiration through collaboration, are eager to build connections and enrich your own and others’ practice. You will also help shape a new multi-site, change-making programme which we aspire to expand into a larger, wider regional programme over the coming years.

 It’s an exciting journey that could inspire lasting impact on your practice and future UKNA projects.

“I still look back on the residency and am inspired by experiences and conversations from that time.’’  NAC1 Lincoln Collective Artist

 

New Artist Collective #2, workshop by Sophie Mak-Schram, Derby 2024.

 

New Artist Collective #3: Eligibility

UKNA opportunities are open to artists aged 18 or above who are within the first 10 years of their professional practice, and who are based in the UK (this includes UK nationals and those with the right to work or study here). 

Upon application, we will ask you to define the start of your professional practice using one of the following:

  • The date that you registered as a self-employed artist

  • The first public exhibition or performance you presented

  • Your first paid commission or residency

  • The year you completed your education or training 

  • You are yet to do any of these things, and self-define the start of your professional practice

We welcome applications from individuals and collectives of up to 2 members, however please note that due to the nature of the programme, the collective will be asked to attend separate residencies to encourage collaboration and new ways of working. 

Locations

Launching in 2025, New Artist Collective #3 will have the opportunity to work in one of four East Midlands locations - BACKLIT (Nottingham), Artcore (Derby), Barbican Creative Hub TBC* (Lincoln), and Harley Foundation (Worksop). Each place has a unique cultural heritage and established creative links across the region, and this programme will deepen those ties, creating a connected and collaborative network. 

Key Programme Dates

16 January 2025 - Digital get together 5pm-6pm (online)

6 February 2025 - Digital get together 5pm-6pm (online)

20 - 23 February 2025  - Four Happenings residencies (in person)

3 April 2025 - Articulating Reflections session (in person) in Nottingham

Please read the briefing document below for more details. We anticipate that all successful participants will be able to attend each part of the programme.

How to Apply

Click the button below to apply through Zealous. You will be asked to upload examples of your work/practice, which can be imagery, videos, sound, text, or a portfolio. Following that, there is a short application form to help the panel understand how you would benefit from the opportunity, and what you would bring to the New Artist Collective.

You will be able to save your application as a draft and return to it at any time, until the deadline on Monday 25th November 2024, by midday. The selection panel will be made up of representatives from UKNA and the arts sector. 

Due to the limited capacity of our small team, we are unable to provide individual feedback to each artist. If you have not heard from UKNA by Friday 6 December 2024, unfortunately, this means your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Along with the application form, please fill out an equal opportunities form. This is an anonymous form, which helps UKNA make sure our opportunities are reaching far and wide and attracting diverse submissions.

We are open to receiving applications in a variety of ways in order to make this process accessible to everyone. If you would like to discuss another way to apply, for example, via video or audio, please get in touch by emailing info@uknewartists.co.uk.

 
UK New Artists