​What Sprout Art asks for in support of the application: 

• The artist/maker must have either a theme for the residency or a focus on a particular medium or creative practice. This will be used in publicity and is an important aspect of engagement (examples from previous residencies can be seen HERE )  

• A short written or video proposal to explain the theme/focus and how the public might be engaged, including proposed workshops, talks or demonstrations.  Please include the dates you would like to undertake the residency

• Examples of previous work

• A commitment to make best use of the space and to public engagement throughout the residency

• Shortlisted artists will be invited to present their ideas to Sprout Arts for discussion before a final decision is made.

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 What the Artist(s) In Residence (AIR) can do during the residency: 

• Continue to explore and develop their working practice within the Sprout Arts space    

•  Invite fellow artists/makers to join in with the AIR project     

• Invite their own mailing list and friends to view the process of their work    

•  Give talks about the work, Q&A sessions, slide shows etc     

• Provide teaching workshops (Sprout Arts receive 20% commission). Further guidance on running workshops is available as needed    

• Sell work. Sprout Arts will expect a commission of 20-30% (depending on sale price) on all sales    

• The expectation is that there will be a minimum of three to six workshops/talks etc depending on the length of the residency

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 What the AIR must not do: 

• Close the shop at short notice, or fail to open without warning     

• Leave Sprout Arts unlocked and unattended at any time     

• Use the premises after 9pm - Sprout Arts must be closed and locked up by 9pm every evening   

• Fix anything directly onto the display walls. The AIR must use the hanging system, shelves and/or plinths provided     

• Remove cards, browsers and merchandise from the gallery as these are an important revenue stream for Sprout

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 Other information and requirements for AIR applicants: 

• The AIR must be a member of Sprout Arts, annual artist's membership is £20    

• The AIR will be asked for a deposit of £100 before starting the residency in case of any damage or mess. This may be waived on discussion if necessary and alternate arrangements made for covering the cost of any damage or mess.    

• The AIR must meet with a Sprout committee member before the residency and complete a formal agreement    

• The AIR must be adequately insured e.g. via A-N, and provide evidence of insurance    

• Sprout Arts is normally open 11am to 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday (30 hours per week). Ideally, the AIR will be present during these times but, at a minimum, must commit to being present in Sprout Arts for 20 hours per week. Sprout may be able to find volunteers to cover the additional hours with enough notice.   

• The AIR must state the times they will be present in advance and keep to these hours. Hours will be agreed beforehand and form part of our agreement with you. In unforeseen circumstances, volunteer help may be available at short notice if needed but is not guaranteed   

• The AIR must engage with the public e.g. through providing workshops and talks and permitting public entry while working in the Sprout Arts space

• Sprout Arts would require photographs of the residency to use for future reference, reporting and marketing purposes    

• Sprout Arts also sells Artists’ cards and small gifts. The AIR must record and process sales for other items in the gallery and ensure the security of the till (training will be given)    

• The AIR must ensure the security of Sprout Arts by locking up when leaving. Any evening work or events must finish by 9 pm     

• Any food and perishables must be removed at the end of the Residency    

• Recycling and waste must be bagged up for collection on a Tuesday evening at a designated place.    

• The AIR must leave the space as found and have the handover at the end of Residency signed off by a Sprout representative.

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Timeline  

Deadline for applications 

• Applications must be received by email at sproutcommunityarts@gmail.com by midnight Friday 7th March 2025

• Sprout AIR Committee will evaluate all applications and arrange to meet with the preferred shortlist of artists/makers between 10th to 28th March 2025 at a venue near the gallery or by Zoom    

• We aim to make the final decision by Monday 31st March 2025. This allows up to four calendar months for artists/makers to prepare before taking up the residency. 

  

Grants

NB As no payment is provided for the Residency it is the artist/maker’s responsibility to ensure that they are free to attend for a minimum of 20 hours per week and/or that any paid work fits in around the Residency.

Grants may be available through Wandsworth.gov.uk - either through the Wandsworth Grant Fund or, for 2025, they are opening a Community Investment Fund as part of being the London Borough of Culture.