unincorporated collaborations

The Mothership

The Mothership is for artists seeking a rural retreat, with access to farmland, woodland, the west dorset coast, and potentially some collaboration or exchange about practice. Residents are invited to work however they want, without pressure to produce anything particular. Work is selected on the basis of current practice and there are no expectations of a product although an invitation to contribute into the community is extended.  The residencies range in length from a weekend - 6 weeks and can be scheduled suiting the individual's schedule. 
Residents live and work in a large, purpose-built ‘eco-studio’; with wood fired heating, kitchenette, and a compost toilet and shower. There is also the option of staying in the Buccaneer caravan for your residency. This is a small trailer-type caravan with electricity and a wood burner. 

Artists are invited to contribute back to the place and community in several ways. e.g.

• open studio event
• connecting with local individuals or organisations such as the Architectural Association at Hooke Park, The Dorset Wildlife Trust, the nearby primary or secondary school, participation in local events – agricultural show, village fete, arts centre, food festival
• skill sharing sessions with the local artists and their families
• giving a talk about their practice with Force8 Collective

Artists are asked to write a post for the Mothership Tumblr blog. This enables a cross-fertilisation between the diverse individuals who have been resident at different times.

• Studio: Residents live and work in a large, purpose-built ‘eco-studio’; timber frame and straw bales with wood fired heating, kitchenette, and a compost toilet and shower. The studio is located in the same building as Anna’s studio, and next door to a family house. The studio space is one large room, so can house an individual, couple or potentially a family, they have hosted a group of 5. There is lots of outside space. Children are very welcome.
• Caravan: There is also the option of staying in the Buccaneer caravan for your residency. This is a small trailer-type caravan with electricity and a wood burner. Compost toilet, washing and shower facilities are shared with the studio building and the drinking water tap and washing up facilities are outside, ‘camping-style’. The caravan has two small double beds in it and plenty of storage space within the one living space.

Free wifi is not provided. Visitors can tether to the local 4G mobile network, via their own smart devices if they choose.

The Mothership is in an area that has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AONB and a Site of Special Scientific Interest SSSI. It is part of a smallholding, located on the edge of ancient woodland, 1 mile from the village of Powerstock (pop. 300 with a primary school and village pub) and 5 miles from the town of Bridport (pop. 14,000 with amenities, 2 theatres and art centre), and 6 miles from the sea (West Bay, Chesil Beach). There are 2 other families on site as well as the studio, a number of animals and pets. Local events/activities/businesses include – charity fundraisers, agricultural shows, forestry, care work, tourism, fishing, farming, artisan food and drink and art venues dealing mostly with painting and crafts.