West Dean College of Arts and Conservation
West Dean College of Arts and Conservation provides the highest quality education in arts and conservation and is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence. It is located in West Dean House, the former home of the poet and surrealist patron, Edward James.
Co-ordinated alongside the full-time Fine Art programmes at West Dean College, the residency is designed to support contemporary practitioners in developing research projects and studio-based practices. The residencies are informed by West Dean's rich history of supporting skills-based making as well as the legacy of its founder, Edward James, renowned for his support of individual artists and avant-garde collaborations across a variety of creative fields.
The residency programme provides artists with full board accommodation for a three-week period. Studio space is provided, as well as access to a variety of resources and facilities, including the College Library, technical support, the Historic House and the West Dean Archive and Collection. Applications are encouraged from artists whose interests align with a variety of thematic areas related to the College's history and current activities.
This is a studio-based residency with no finished work required. Resident artists enrich the creative learning environment of the College by providing support to full-time Graduate and MFA students. This will include a presentation on their practice or research, tutorials and/or seminars, workshops and group critiques. The amount of time expected to be allocated to these activities is equivalent to two full days.
A large dedicated studio within the college's Fine Art department plus access to various facilities.
Full-board accommodation in a dedicated artist-in-residence suite.
There is a specialist arts and conservation library, the West Dean Collection, Edward James Archive plus various making workshops such as ceramics, tapestry, woodworking and metalwork. Residents also have access to the West Dean Gardens and the wider West Dean Estate.