Since 2004 The Muse / Gallery & Studio has supported a residency program, offering recent graduates subsidised studio space, a gallery to show and the means to cultivate both client and industry connections.

Each year we host a group competition show, awarding the residency positions to a few successful artists; we appeal to all disciplines, with a BA minimum qualification from the previous two years.

Artwork is then reviewed by our panel of esteemed industry professionals, curators and collectors, with an emphasis on professionalism from the onset.

For applications, we require: a short statement (no more than 400 words), a CV and 10-15 images as JPEG.

Although websites are appreciated, simple URL’s will not be accepted as applications

Artist Led

Residents will benefit from shared resources and experience, working alongside more established artists throughout the year.

Intermittently, we also open our doors to community arts projects, musicians, film makers and live performers, to fill the calendar with events from ‘Sound art’ to ‘Counter-culture’ evenings and associated seminars.

Our residency program continues to offer a subsidised platform for candidates, along with two group shows during their time with us.

This opportunity is a grace period to continue with the momentum of university in a market environment and bridge the gap between academia and the professional world.

We also offer paid invigilation and experience in event management to continue arts practice with less financial restraints during the program; all work sold is subject to zero-commission for our residents.

From Competition to Resident:

Based on the work submitted for the group show, our curators will then award three or four artists with a residency from 1st February to the 30th June 2026. The residency will begin with a group show in February 2026 and conclude with a second group show in June 2026. 

Further to the residency program, a chosen artist will be awarded a three-week solo show during our 2026 calendar year.

Although the residency is open to those from all disciplines, we urge applicants working on larger installations to assess the practicality of the working environment by visiting the gallery prior to submissions.

The Muse / Gallery & Studio will provide studio space, technical support, curating and mentorship for all exhibitions, with further professional development, network and marketing resources available through our extended network of arts professionals.

We also support final group shows with curation consultancy, technical support, limited materials and catering budgets and marketing resources.