At Watershed we are passionate about supporting brilliant people working at the intersection of culture, creativity and technology. This is the foundation on which we have built our residency programme, and we are delighted to announce this years’ open call for applications. We have two programmes on offer...

The first is to become our next Artist in Residence. This invitation is open to all artists of any discipline, who have been practising for two or more years. We have one residency available, which comes with a structured programme, work space at Pervasive Media Studio, a network of peers, plus financial, technical and critical support. The residency will take place in autumn / winter and we’re flexible about how you structure your time. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop work, be part of an inspirational network, share ideas and progress your thinking. Apply by Mon 24 July, view the Brief and Application Form.

Edson Burton, Artist in Residence 2016, says:

“Watershed’s Producers and Pervasive Media Studio residents have introduced me to a wealth of possibilities that have taken my idea from a long held dream to a graspable reality.”

The second opportunity is to join our New Talent Residency programme. We are looking for ambitious practitioners with ideas for creative technology projects. You could be just starting out, changing career direction, or looking to return from a career break. With space to work within the Pervasive Media Studio, a community of peers, a project bursary, and support to make, test and discuss your work - we can help you get your idea off the ground. Apply by Mon 18 September, view the Brief and Application Form.

Sophie Bullock, New Talent Resident 2016, says:

“I can already see the continued effect the residency is having on me. I have a clearer idea of what I want to make and where I want to be in the future.”

Each residency will be based at Watershed’s Pervasive Media Studio and residents will become part of our community of over 150 artists, creative companies, engineers, academics, scientists, technologists and tinkerers, who work on new and emerging ideas. Ideas span gaming, projections, connected objects, VR, space exploration and new forms of performance - some are cultural, some are commercial. Run in partnership with the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol, the Studio has a great workspace, an open ethos and a can-do attitude.

Tenaya Steed, New Talent Resident 2016, says:

“Being around people from such different backgrounds made me realise that you don’t have to give up if you can’t do something, you can dream as big as you like because there will always be someone who knows how to do something that you can’t.”

This year we are also pleased to announce a change to our application process. We’ve received some really useful feedback from artists about the time and effort it takes to apply to opportunities. We’ve listened carefully and redesigned our application process to make it simpler. This year is a trial of the new process and we welcome feedback.

We are open for applications now. If you have any questions or would like to chat about any aspect of your proposal or the application process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

And if these funded residencies don't fit your practice, timescales or ideas, you can apply any time to join the Pervasive Media Studio community.

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