OPEN CALL - Maker Residency 2026

About the Open Call

We are pleased to be offering a residency opportunity to a local craft-based maker, whose practices revolve around a particular craft-based discipline, with a focus on creating handmade objects and items, using honed skills and traditional or contemporary tools and techniques. We welcome applications from makers living and/or working in the following areas within Somerset and Devon: West Somerset, Taunton Deane, Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Mendips; Northern Devon and Mid Devon. The residency will take place in Studio 10 — our multi-use project space situated on the first floor of East Quay. The focus of the residency is on providing makers with the time and space to explore their practice in an open and energetic environment, whilst also building relationships with fellow creatives and members of the local community. Examples of craft processes include (but are not limited to): Textiles and fibre crafts, Ceramics (note: no kiln on-site), Stonemasonry, Woodworking, Metalworking, Silversmithing and jewellery design, Papercrafts. We encourage applicants to consider how their practice relates to our themes: Peripherality, Transition & Alternative Futures, and Joy & Wonder (not obligatory). Studio 10 Project Space aims to build connections with the local community by introducing new mediums, artworks, and contemporary practice. Residency Dates: Saturday 4th April 2026 - Sunday 7th June 2026 (2 months).

What is Offered

Contains Art CIO is offering an honorarium of £1,200 total (inc VAT) to the selected maker. This includes artist stipend, material/production costs and contribution towards travel expenses. There will be no charge for use of the studio. An additional fee of up to £1000 is available for makers who would like to run craft-based workshops (minimum four sessions) during the residency.

Requirements

We are looking for makers who intend to be present and active in Studio 10 on a regular basis throughout the course of the residency and are open to sharing their practice with our visitors and resident artists based at East Quay. Applicants must be living and/or working in West Somerset, Taunton Deane, Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Mendips; or Northern Devon and Mid Devon. Unfortunately, accommodation is not provided.

How to Apply

Applicants must download the application pack available via the provided link and then submit their application via the Google Form link. The deadline is Sunday 14th December 2025, at 5pm.