We are accepting applications for studio space

deadline 23rd Feb 2012

download guidelines

download application form

We believe the process of making art is as important and valuable as the end product, and this is central to the way we develop our artistic programme.

Phoenix Brighton runs a gallery, an education programme, residencies, events, and over 100 artists’ studios all under one roof.  We wish to reflect and cross-reference this unique and synergistic combination of activities throughout the organisation. Working with local, national and international artists, we aim to provide a setting where imagination, experimentation, dialogue and critical engagement are fostered and celebrated. We collaborate with artists, curators and other organisations, and provide the space and mechanisms for generating, exploring and manifesting creative activity.

By providing studio space for artists Phoenix Brighton aims to:

• To support artists in the development of their practice through:

• encouraging a culture of support, collaboration and skills sharing.

• By the provision of good quality, accessible and affordable studio space

• To Ensure a working environment that is outward looking and well networked.

• To bring together professional artists and the wider community in a setting that encourages collaboration and exchange.

• Provide a context in which artists can contribute to the education and artistic programmes.

• To ensure commitment to the development of the organisation.

• Provide an accessible platform in which artists can contribute to the running and development of the organisation.

• To provide a model of good practice for studio provision nationally.

• To fulfil the aims of Phoenix’s charitable objectives.

Applying For Studio Space at Phoenix

We are keen for artists working in all disciplines to have the opportunity to become studio holders at Phoenix Brighton. We currently operate a ‘pool’ system, where-by artists are selected to become part of the pool group. Artists in the pool are invited to take on vacant studio space when it becomes available.

Phoenix Brighton is a Charity and is able to offer studio space at a reduced rent to artists who are unable to rent studios from landlords at a commercial rate. We operate a selection process to ensure that our artists meet our criteria and that the spaces are actively used.

By ‘artists’ we mean artists that work largely within the visual arts, including fine art, sculpture and applied arts. We also encourage applications from artists that have a cross disciplinary practice such as sound and performance, but we would expect to see a visual arts foundation to their practice.

Application Procedure:

A call for applications is made 1 month prior to the selection meeting. A notice will be posted on this website's home page, and the following email newsletters:www.fabrica.org.uk/artist-resource, www.artsjobs.org.uk, www.nfasp.org.uk. We recommend signing up with one or all to ensure you don’t miss our call out; they are also useful sources of information and opportunities for artists. Artists are selected by a panel made up of current Phoenix artists, staff, trustees and invited selectors. Artists selected at this stage will be held on the pool list until a suitable space becomes available (this will be made up of no more than ten artists).

Successful artists will be offered studio space at Phoenix for an initial period of one year. Studio members will be expected to fulfil the criteria below on an ongoing basis, we offer spaces to artists that successfully meet the selection criteria and who also match our requirements when a space becomes available. Phoenix is keen to keep a balance of working practice, gender, age and ethnicity within the building, and this will be kept in mind when selecting artists and allocating studios.

The studio spaces vary in sizes, below gives examples of general sizes. All spaces are charged on a square ft basis and include, water rates and general running costs; except personal electricity which is charged separately.

• Full space (380sq ft) about 23x16.5 feet/7m x 4.57m @ around £200 pcm

• ¾ space (285sq ft) about 17x16.5 feet/5m x 4.57m @ around £150 pcm

• ½ space (180sq ft) about 11x16.5 feet/3.4 x 4.57m @ around £100 pcm

Criteria for selection:
Artists will be selected for studio space if they can demonstrate the following:

• Commitment to their professional practice
• Engagement with current contemporary practice
• Ambition to progress and develop their practice within a critical framework.
• Willingness to participate in public events, including the annual open studio event, and occasional studio visits.
• Willingness to promote the organisations activities and to acknowledge their part in the organisation where appropriate.
• Commitment to contributing to the professional development of artists at Phoenix by taking part in discussion, mentoring and critical debate
• Willingness to engage with the organisation’s education and artistic programmes
• Willingness to be part of an artists community & contribute to the day to day running of the studios
• Commitment to spending the majority of their working time actively using the studio space (minimum average of 3 days a week).
• Show how your practice will benefit from the provision of affordable studio space at Phoenix.
• Ability to meet required commitments, including rota jobs.
• Ability to pay collective charges fully and on time.

Application process:

Artists wishing to apply for studio space at Phoenix Brighton should submitt the following information:

• Completed application form including details of the type of space preferred, and any special requirements or facilities needed.
• Provide a short statement (no longer than 300 words) detailing how you feel you can fulfil the above criteria. Please refer to previous/future experience such as working in other studio groups, educational environments, mentoring, workshops, residencies, curating, or working on artist led projects or with other arts organisations; self initiated exhibitions and events, or other collaborative ventures you feel relate to Phoenix’s aims. Include details of ways in which you would be interested in getting involved.
• An up to date CV.
• Up to 7 digital images that represent your current practice (jpeg format), DVD show reel - of not longer than 5 minutes, copies of publications or reviews. Or you can provide a link to your web site if you prefer.
• A reference from someone you have worked with professionally (within the context of your current arts practice).

The application information is very important because it is the main opportunity we will have to get a sense of your artistic practice and to determine how a studio at Phoenix could benefit the development of your practice.

We will inform you about 2 – 4 weeks after application if you have been successful. You can apply again for studio space if you are unsuccessful the first time.

Once artists have been allocated studio space they will be required to pay a returnable deposit equal to three months licence fee. Licence fees are then paid one month in advance, preferably by standing order, electricity charges are paid retrospectively.