About the Open Call

This residency offers a creative practitioner living in Waltham Forest the opportunity to grow their skills and practice. It includes free desk space in shared makers’ studio for 3 months (January 16-19, 2026 to April 10-13, 2026), free access to wood and metal machine shops and benches, and free workshop induction (wood machine shop, metalwork, forge, lathes). Residents are expected to present their work through a public event (e.g., talk, workshop, or small showcase) at the end of the residency, conduct a minimum one-off workshop with Makernoons (an intergenerational project), and document practical use of the wood or metal workshops. Opportunities to develop teaching skills and get involved in young people and community outreach programs are also provided. The workshop is located at 1-2 Sutherland Road Path, E17 6BX, with free on-site parking. While wood and metal workshops are step-free accessible, shared studios are not, requiring ascent of three flights of stairs. A 20% discount card for Blackhorse Workshop Café is included during the residency, and upon completion, a 20% discount on studio rent for six months or 20% studio membership is offered (subject to availability).

What is Offered

Free desk space in shared studio, free access to wood and metal workshops, free workshop induction, guidance and skill development, 20% discount at Blackhorse Workshop Café, and a 20% discount on studio rent or membership post-residency.

Requirements

Applicants must be a Waltham Forest resident, a creative practitioner/artist/maker with a strong interest in wood and/or metalwork, and someone who values community-driven spaces and believes in the power of making to create positive change. Individuals currently underrepresented in workshop and studio spaces, including women, non-binary individuals, trans people, people from the global majority, and people from low-income backgrounds, are especially encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the Google Form, providing personal details, residency in Waltham Forest, demographic information for diversity monitoring, a description of their creative practice, what they hope to gain, what access they would get that is otherwise unavailable, proposed outcomes, and previous residency experience.