WE ARE have unlocked 5 empty shops on Wood Street in Wakefield for artists and collectives to use as free studio space. For 2 weeks artists have the opportunity to take over Wood Street in Wakefield and transform it into open artist studios.

Individuals or a group of Artists/designers/makers are invited to use a whole shop or a small section of a shop as a studio space to create a new piece of work. Occupants of the spaces are encouraged to open up their temporary studio spaces to the public, inviting them to discuss their work before a preview and open studio night on the 27th July as part of the Wakefield Artwalk.

WE ARE looking to work with young and emerging creatives that are interested in the opportunity to create new work.

We are interested in applications from artists/collectives who want to:

• Make site specific work

• Respond to the location and space of the studio

• Engage the public

• Collaborate and network with other artists involved in the project

• Use this opportunity as a platform to grow

This is a great chance for collaboration, experimentation and creativity. Artists from all backgrounds and disciplines are invited.

Sadly due to the nature of this project and funding we are unable to offer any artist’s fees but we can offer a small amount of financial support. Each artist or collective has £30 which we can be used for either:

• Artist materials

• Using the Print Facilities at The Art house which includes screen-printing, laser cutting, etching etc

• Accommodation - Space potentially available in The Art House flat if you need to stay in Wakefield on specific nights during the project

• Travel expenses

The shop spaces do not need to be occupied for the whole 2 weeks of the project. They are available for those times but depending on how long you need to make your work it can vary.

As part of the project WE ARE will run regular blog posts, with photographers documenting all the artists work and interviews and videos being posted. Each artist will be able to take all of these resources with them, and we'll create a case study for each artist to use which could be used to help them get other exhibitions and residency.

The aim of this project is to create a really positive outcome on Wood Street. In the past we have used various empty shops at different times but it will have a much greater impact having the artists taking over all the shops at once, and hope to make Wood Street more of a destination rather than just an empty street people just pass through.

Timeline:

Deadline for proposals: June 20th

Informing successful artists and initial meeting: 1st July

Introduction and meeting: 10th July

Begin using the shop space: 16th July

Please feel free to message us with any further questions you may have.