Above & Below: Lands End Group Artist Residency (November 7th - 11th, 2021). A fantastic opportunity to spend time with like-minded people in the awe-inspiring location of Lands End, Cornwall, the UK's most Westerly point. This fascinating arts-science-heritage opportunity is curated to inspire art practitioners, researchers and thinkers alike.

We reside at Lands End YHA, a wild, natural setting with views down the Cot Valley of the vast Celtic sea. This remarkable building boasts 1920s period features, a cosy open fire and plenty of indoor and outdoor space, lowlight nights for stargazing and footpaths leading from the hostel to the coast and the village of St Just. 

We welcome all art forms with lots of room for site-specific working and an abundance of ancient sites and creative walks to fuel inspiration. 

We encourage creatives, researchers and enthusiasts of all disciplines; if you know anyone you think would be interested in the residency, please encourage them to apply. 

Our residencies have a relaxed environment with plenty of time to immerse yourselves in your practice or research. There will be many opportunities to collaborate work and ideas with others. We encourage everyone to share enthusiasm and relevant research; our overview project theme 'Above & Below' is connected to space exploration, Cornish heritage, planetary science and geophysics.

Outcomes

We invite you to showcase your work through our networking channels and contribute to our online blog, this will be shared across our social media platforms. Additionally, if taken up, each artist will have a section on the Mayes Creative website dedicated to their work on this residency. 

Participants will also be invited to join the Mayes Creative artists Patreon network (for a small subscription fee); designed to continue working relationships and collaborations, provoke conversation and discussion, and offer informed advice on funding, project development and working in the arts-science-heritage sectors.

Practicalities

Due to the current pandemic, we will be offering limited places, and participants are asked to bubble with a family member, friend or colleague with a minimum of two to each room. 

There is lots of communal space, both indoor and outdoor, and social distancing is possible. We will be adhering to all current Covid-19 regulations and government guidelines. Check out our FAQs and don't hesitate to get in touch using the enquiry form.

The hostel has a well-equipped self-catering kitchen for which we can organise timetabled usage. The dining room and lounge are joined with ample room. The lounge overlooks the pretty garden and the dining room is connected to the self-catering kitchen by an enclosed veranda. Many rooms enjoy stunning sea views. There is a lovely local pub serving food known for its curry and a great artisan deli and pizza offer nearby for people to eat out or order in.

Further Details:

Taking the theme of 'Above and Below' we consider materiality and ways in which the story of the development of the solar system impacts on our knowledge and understanding of life on Earth. We consider Cornwall's amazing prehistoric and industrial material heritage and extend perspectives through an exploration of connections between planetary and terrestrial geology.

Highlights during the residency include:

**A mix of art, science and heritage discussions

**an opportunity to delve into the Cornish language with local specialist - Tony Wood (TBC)

**Informative and inspiring walks including St. Just to Tregeseal and a low light walk around Chapel Carn Brea 

**A group visit to the Kurt Jackson gallery in St Just

**Phytograms and alternative film development using plants with artist Joanna Mayes

**Capture sounds and immerse yourselves in deep sonic listening hosted by Justin Wiggan (TBC) during a visit to Carn Euny - one of the best-preserved Iron Age villages in South West England, 

**Visit the 'Fogou', a Subterranean space, followed by an ancient sites talk with Carolyn Kennett

**Low light nights with plenty of stargazing opportunities (weather dependant)

Costs 

£249 - full price per person (16 spaces in 8 rooms, booked as bubbles of at least 2)

2 x £99 concessionary rate places are available to Cornwall residents in need of support. These will be chosen by need, enthusiasm and artist portfolio and/or statement. There will be the opportunity to apply for this within the application form.

Prices include shared accommodation for four nights in this stunning location and full use of the hostel.  

There will also be an opportunity for one artist to contribute a workshop to the residency, in return for a discount of £50 off the full price. Please apply for this within the application form. 

This residency is part of the Above and Below project produced by Mayes Creative and is supported by Heritage Lottery Fund and Feast.