About the Residency

We reside at the family-run 4-star St Martins campsite, which is located a stone’s throw from the sandy beaches of St Martins and close to footpaths leading to ancient sites, wild spaces, and stargazing at the superb St Martins Observatory COSMOS. 

The third largest of the islands, St Martin's is approximately 2½ miles long and boasts some of the finest beaches and clearest seas in the British Isles. It is the first island you see when visiting from mainland England. It has rugged cliffs and purple heather on the north shore, contrasting the more sheltered southern shore with its array of sandy beaches, clear blue sea and flower fields. There is lots of coastal flora and fauna to explore. 

We welcome all art forms – this residency is especially suitable for those who wish to take direct inspiration from the sky, land, seascape, and abundance of unusual flora and ancient sites. We will be considering the special ecological environment and looking at how people have lived and worked in this special landscape since prehistory, using and enjoying the ancient night skies and sea connectivity that we can experience today.

Our residencies have a relaxed environment with plenty of time to immerse yourselves in your practice or research. We encourage everyone to share enthusiasm and relevant research connected to flora and fauna, star stories, astronomy, geology, and local heritage.

We encourage creatives, researchers and enthusiasts of all disciplines to apply.

Further Details: 

Highlights during the residency include: 

**A mix of art, science and heritage discussions 

**Informative and inspiring walks, including to ancient sites on Chapel Downs 

**Enjoy a sunset and low light opportunities (weather dependent) 

**Star and Moon gazing in the wonderful dark skies visiting the Cosmos Observatory 

** Optional visit to another Island (cost around £16)/ Eastern Isles explorer (costs around £26) 

** You will be offered a 10% discount for St Martins water sports activities during your stay. This will include kayak hire, which allows access to the Eastern Isles.  

** Beaches for cold water swimming and lots of sea life including Seals.  

Prices 

£425 - price per person (£350 if you are staying in your own accommodation on St Martin’s).  
 
Prices include your space on the campsite and 1 group meal from a set menu at the pub (1 main and 1 drink) on the first evening.  

Travel to St Martin’s is at your own expense, as is your food and additional activities.  

Details and costs of travel can be found and booked via the website below. It’s a bit tricky to fly with camping equipment, so we recommend taking the Scillonian ferry J. 

https://www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/ 
 
We will discuss details with you prior to your stay to make sure you are comfortable with the arrangements. 
 
Practicalities. 

The campsite offers a useful facilities building with charging lockers, a shower and toilet block and a laundry room. We will be using the village hall as indoor work and conversation space in the evening; there is also a community reading room (with wifi) which is free for all to use. 

The island has a well-equipped general store, bakery, pub, hotel restaurant and cafeteria. It also has a fish and chip shop open on certain evenings. Regular boats offer trips to other islands.

Participants are responsible for bringing their own camping gear, transport for which is booked through Scillonian Travel Company when you book your travel. They transport it all the way to St Martin’s and we all then help to load at the quay onto the campsite tractor and unload again at the campsite.  

https://www.stmartinscampsite.co.uk/

Mayes Creative residencies offer a welcoming atmosphere and work hard to be inclusive and make any adaptations we can to support people of all learning styles and levels of physical ability to participate.

This residency relies more upon walking than our previous residencies, as St Martins does not have any public transport or taxis and is very spread out. The good news is that the central road is tarmacked and fairly flat, but walking is used for transport here, so be prepared to up your step count if you want to make the most of the Island!

All activities are optional, but we don't want anyone to feel left out, so please discuss any concerns with us prior to applying.

Useful links