We are seeking proposals for an artist residency to take place during Black History Month, October 2022, to make work inspired by the BHM UK 2022 theme Time for Change: Action not Words.

The opportunity is open to Black artists and makers. It would best suit artists based in or near Brighton but is open to people anywhere. We are open to a wide range of approaches.

Fee: £1200 (equivalent to 5-6 days artist time) and £100 expenses/materials, plus up to a month’s access to the ONCA Barge artist studio and lower deck.

Deadline for applications: Midnight Wednesday 7 September

BACKGROUND & CONTEXT

This process-orientated artist commission provides the opportunity for an artist to work with ONCA, an arts charity that connects creativity with social and environmental justice issues. We operate from our gallery space at 14 St George’s Place (central Brighton) and our community learning space, the ONCA Barge at Brighton Marina. Our programme explores the interconnections between social and ecological diversity. Where possible and appropriate ONCA will draw connections between the BHM residency and our other upcoming projects and programme. 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Proposals that primarily take a process-based, not a production-based approach. We are looking for proposals that frame a clear line of enquiry, which the artist will follow for the duration of the residency. The selected artists will be required to take part in/deliver at least one small scale public event or discussion as part of their residency.  We will favour expressions of interest that are experimental, interactive, reflect current thinking in arts practice, and that show a clear understanding of audiences. 

How to apply: 

Please email the following to   by midnight, Wednesday 7 September, with ‘Black History Month residency’ in the subject line:

• CV & Artist Statement
• 3 examples of previous artworks (images/videos/sound clips etc)
• Letter of motivation that outlines your proposed enquiry, how it connects with the BHM 2022 theme, and how audiences might interact with it.

We recognise that providing the above information in written format will be prohibitive for some applicants, and are happy to receive it in other formats such as video or audio files. Please email or call 01273 607101 with any accessibility questions.

TIMELINE & PROCESS

• Midnight Wednesday 7 September – deadline for applications
• 5pm Friday 9 September – shortlisted artists notified
• Thursday 15 September – interviews

The ONCA Barge will be available for residency use during October and November. Learn more about accessibility on board here.

This residency has been made possible with the kind support of the Enjoolata Foundation.

Image credit: Bernard Kalu