[S]ignal Film & Media has announced that applications for their North West Artists Development Lab are now open for a fantastic, free opportunity for Cumbrian and North West-based artists who are looking to take their career to the next step.
The first part of the programme is a 2-day residential led by an exciting mix of artists and curators from the North and will connect, support and develop 12 selected artists at the early-to-mid stages of their career. Hosted at Cooke’s Studios on Abbey Rd. in Barrow-in-Furness as part of their Platform digital arts programme, the lab will focus on how creative technology and digital media, as well as collaborations and collectives can develop or expand artistic practice so Signal encourages a wide range of creatives to apply.
Sessions include hands-on skills in using creative technology, one-to-one portfolio crits, panel discussions and talks designed to support each artist in sustaining a career in working in the North West, both inside and outside of its major cities. It will also provide a space for conversation, with the aim of nurturing new collaborations amongst the artists involved.
The selected artists then have the opportunity to take part in a funded exhibition at Cooke’s Studios later in the programme, either by submitting a proposal individually or collaboratively with other practitioners from the group.
Mentors include BAFTA-nominated artist & creative technologist Daniel John Jones, Reader in Photography at University of Cumbria, John Darwell, former director of the Royal Standard, Liverpool, Ellie Barrett and Curator at Grundy Art Gallery, Paulette Brien to name a few. The core programme will take place over two-days on Friday 5th & Saturday 6th October, with follow up one-to-one mentoring sessions in November and the exhibition opportunity in February 2019.
Signal Film & Media Director Loren Slater says; “It’s going to be fantastic to bring a large group of talented Northern artists and creatives together in this great part of the North West. The Lab will open up new ideas and ways of working – as well as create new and meaningful networks between artists. We have an amazing line-up of artist mentors and speakers on board and are now really excited to engage 12 diverse artists to take part, who together with the mentors and speakers will create a rich mix of artistic energy and ideas to take forward. The artists who have responded so far are such high quality that we’re now full of anticipation for a great first Lab!”
Applications are actively encouraged from artists working outside of major cities and artists who are working in all disciplines, even if they have never worked with technology or digital media before. Accommodation and travel expenses will be covered and childcare bursaries are also available.
Applications can be made via the Signal Film & Media website: https://signalfilmandmedia.com/north-west-artists-development-lab/. The closing date is midnight, Monday 3rd September 2018.
