Attention artists! Artcore is excited to announce a new local residency opportunity focused on ceramics. This residency is a chance for artists to explore the rich history of ceramic art in Derby and the wider Midlands region, and to create their own unique pieces inspired by this tradition.

Derby has been known for its ceramics and porcelain production for centuries, with several notable brands located in the region. Royal Crown Derby, established in the 18th century, is one such brand that has gained global recognition and popularity. The company's success was so impressive that King George III granted them the licence to incorporate the crown into their brand’s backstamp. The company's legacy also includes producing china for the iconic HMS Titanic and unique pieces for Salvador Dali.

Denby Pottery, another well-known ceramic brand based in Derbyshire, was renowned for its salt-glazed pottery. This style of pottery was a staple in the 19th century when glass was expensive, and people had to rely on stoneware to store essential commodities. 

Stoke-on-Trent, also known as The Potteries, is located about an hour away from Derby and has been the centre of porcelain production for over 300 years. The region boasts several museums dedicated to the history of ceramics, showcasing the evolution of techniques and styles over the years. With its world-renowned ceramic brands, Stoke-on-Trent has cemented its place as a hub for ceramics and a source of inspiration for ceramic artists.

During the residency, selected artists will have access to our fully equipped ceramic studio. They will also receive a stipend to cover materials and expenses, as well as the opportunity to exhibit their work in our gallery space.

If you're a UK based local, regional or national artist with a passion for ceramics, don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to hone your skills, push your creative boundaries, and connect with other artists and art enthusiasts in the community. Apply now and become a part of the vibrant and thriving creative scene in Derby!

We are offering each artist

• A bursary of £1000 for exhibition ready work

• A studio space for the duration of the residency

• An opportunity to exhibit the work produced during the residency

• Your very own artist blog 

• A chance to deliver talks at the gallery

• Mentoring support throughout the residency

• An e-catalogue of the works you create during the residency

• An option to deliver workshops or participatory projects

• Publicity and marketing support

We would anticipate the artists being present at Artcore for at least three days each week through the residency period. There is no additional budget for travel and accommodation, so artists are required to live within a reasonable travelling distance of Derby, or be able to base themselves in Derby for the residency period.

We welcome applications from artists working in any visual arts discipline, and with a cross-disciplinary practice.

We expect artists to have a commitment to developing their practice, and to engaging in dialogue with the local communities and the wider international contemporary arts and cultural sector.

We welcome artists with an interest in exploring how sharing space and collaborative working can inform the development of their work.

We expect to retain a selection of the artworks produced during the residency to be part of the Artcore collection.

Residency Timetable

• Deadline for submissions – Please send your submissions by midnight on Wednesday, 28 June 2023

• Announcement of selected artists – Selections will be announced on Saturday 15 July 2023

• Residency start date – Monday, 04 September 2023

• Residency end date – Saturday, 28 October 2023

• Exhibition dates: Friday, 24 November 2023 – Saturday, 20 January 2024

How to apply

Applications should be made through Curatorspace 

You will be asked to provide:

• A proposal detailing the role of ceramics in your practice, how you plan to respond to the residency theme, why you would like to take part in this residency, and what you would like to achieve through it, both artistically and in terms of your development as an artist

• A statement describing your overall practice, materials and methods of working

• Curriculum Vitae if you have one

• Visual material directly relating to the proposal such as previous or proposed art work (please either attach images or direct us to specific work you would like us to consider on the web. Please label any images – title, medium, dimensions and year)

About Artcore

Artcore is a visual arts charity located in Charnwood Street, working with communities locally, nationally and internationally. Artcore endeavours to operate as a cultural hub—fuelling active engagement for a diverse range of communities in Derby, the East Midlands and beyond. The gallery’s long-term objective is to use arts and crafts as a vehicle to strengthen community cohesion, educate, raise awareness and provide a platform for development. Through its creative work, Artcore is committed to bringing change into the lives of people of all ages, abilities, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Artcore is also an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Our Location

Derby is a developing visual arts and culture hub, with galleries at QUAD, Derby Museum & Art Gallery, Artcore, a University with Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in the School of Arts, and much DIY activity across the City. Artcore has hosted two annual Visual Arts Summits, and is the lead organisation in supporting the development of Derby’s visual arts ecology. Having recently taken up a large space in the city centre, this residency will use our new building, placing your work in a prominent new visual arts space right in the heart of Derby.