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Proposition Studios
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Description
Proposition Studios is the first UK arts organisation focused on reimagining our civilizations role in the biosphere and inspiring public dialogue on THE HUMAN AS PART OF ECOLOGY. Established as a charity in 2018, their core functions are:
1) To build bridges between expert landworkers and scientists who are developing regenerative farming practices, and creatives who are passionate about exploring and transforming our civilizations relationship to the natural world.
2) To empower grassroots artists so that they can be financially self-sufficient and enabled to make work in a challenging economic environment.
Eco-Syntax Residency
Proposition Studios invites artists to apply for their new residency in a former school in Derbyshire (30 minutes from Nottingham & Peak District National Park). The Eco-Syntax Residency provides accommodation and large studios for up to 20 creatives, affording time and space for collaboration, project development and practice beyond the pressures of city life. With a focus on questioning the role of The Human As Part Of Ecology, the residency welcomes creatives who are dedicated to re-thinking our relationship with the biosphere.
In particular Proposition seeks applications from artists who are committed to conscientious living and who will contribute to the community, offering their skills and insights and participate in workshops and group events. They seek residents who will be respectful of one another’s practices, who are interested in supporting one another and who are excited by working together to develop the space and programme into a vibrant hub, reflective of all those involved.
Weekly Crits
Every Monday morning residents will kick start the week with a crit group where up to 4 artists will present works in progress and artists will be encouraged to contribute constructive feedback. Every two weeks this will be attended by a visiting Proposition team member and once a month a guest curator/artist will be invited to host the crit.
Community Dinners
On Wednesdays and Fridays the artists prepare a communal dinner for the whole community. This is not compulsory, but it is very important for community building.
Food Growing
Residents are encouraged to be involved in food growing. Each person involved must take on a fixed responsibility for certain aspects of growing the food. Proposition encourages artists to be creative with planting and to build a thriving garden.
Outcome
Each participating artist will be asked to lead a minimum of one workshop/event during their time at the residency. This may take the form of a presentation, a teaching session or a group activity.
Studio Information
Studios
Studios are spread across 5 areas and every artist participating in the residency will be allocated a large studio space (included in price of residency) with high ceilings, natural light and heating. Studios are allocated according to creative practices. Please indicate your preference when applying.
Laboratory
The laboratory offers workspaces for 4 artists who want to be in a shared studio working towards a common goal in their own way. Hosted by artist Sol Bailey-Barker, this laboratory is connected to his residency space at Proposition Studios London (new site), which invites artists to develop work considering the changing role of humanity within the biosphere. The residency connects artists with scientists, philosophers and land workers and includes regular crits and workshops. In this lab, 4 people will have allocated areas (large worktops) and will be selected for their interest in work which considers the role of technology in the natural world. Sol will be leading monthly crits and workshops. At the end of the residency, artists will have an opportunity to exhibit or host works in the London gallery. (Minimum participation 3 months)
Sculpture/Media Block
A large barn style area with 1000ft2 studios (2-3 artists/studio). This area was previously used by the school as an art block and still has some materials, shelving, tables and easels on-site. Proposition has created a RE-USE room with salvaged material. Artists may help themselves to materials from the RE-USE room. They recommend this space for 3D artists, but it would also suit those working in 2D media.
Dance/Music/Print/Paint Block
Dance Space: A studio with a wooden floor, abundance of natural light and break out space. Ideal for movement/performance artists.
Music Space: With high ceilings, wooden floors, a kitchenette/break out area this space is ideal for musicians. We recommend it for a solo artist or collective/band who want to produce a new body of work or develop an existing project.
Print/Paint Space: With a huge amount of natural light, big tables and plan chests, this space is ideal for painters or print makers. It would also make a fantastic workspace for photographers. Sharing facilities with the music & dance spaces.
Better for those who don’t mind noise!
Painting Studio
A beautiful painting studio with very high ceilings, natural light, wooden floors and it’s own entrance. This space is ideal for those working on large scale paintings or those who would like some more space to observe their work.
Accommodation Information
Cottages
4 Self Contained cottages backing onto 5 acres of woodland
2 minute walk from Proposition House
Record Zone (1 available) £400/month
Bills & studios space included
Ideal for a collaboration, a band or composer and musicians to write, practice and record music; this cottage provides accommodation for up to 4 (or a single/double occupancy), includes a kitchen & living space and a large studio/practice room with wooden floors and high ceilings. If a band/collective is comfortable sharing a room up to 4 single bed can be organised.
Writer’s Rooms (3 available) £400/month
Bills & studios space included
Self contained cottages with a large bedroom (single or double occupancy).
Kitchen facilities and living room area with a writing desk looking out to the forest.
Proposition House
16 bedrooms spread across the ground and first floor of the old school building.
Each artist will have a private room as well as being allocated a large studio space (approx 500ft2). Toilet and shower facilities are shared. Proposition House has 2 large communal kitchen areas with cookers, fridge/freezers & washing machines. Kitchens include dining tables and break-out areas. We encourage community meals & sharing responsibilities within the house. (For those who wish to participate but want more private accommodation & self contained living space please apply for one of the cottages)
All bedrooms have single or double beds provided and some shelving/storage. Propostion Studios encourage artists to really make the residency their own and permits the painting of walls and the decorating of communal areas.
Read more about the rooms on offer on the website https://www.propositionstudios.com.
Technical Information
Proposition House includes a large theatre (200 person capacity) which will be used for group gatherings, presentations, crit groups and workshops. The theatre can be booked for rehearsals, filming, small performances & other workshops. (See info on daily running). If a theatre production group wishes to participate in the residency the theatre may be booked out for extended periods of time.
On the ground floor a cosy reading room houses a community library & armchairs. Please feel free to borrow from and contribute books to the collection.
There is a large courtyard outside the back of the building with a basketball court. Proposition encourages communal gardening, outdoor sculpture, using the space socially and for workshops. There are multiple garden areas around the property & we encourage growing food. We will provide raised bed vegetable boxes. Proposition will be connecting artists with land workers, scientists and people working in agroecology. Artists may use the garden area for outdoor works. A fire pit near the playground is available for communal use.
Location
The residency is situated near the village of Heanor in Derbyshire. The nearest train station is Langley Mill which connects through Nottingham and Sheffield, this an 8 minute drive or a 15 minute cycle from the residency. The residency is 25 minute drive from Nottingham, 1 hour from Sheffield & Birmingham, 2 hours from Manchester, 2.5 hours from London.
Heanor is on the edge of the Peak District, a 30 minute drive into the National Park (area of outstanding beauty) famous for its caves, amazing walks and charming old villages. Heanor has a large supermarket, small shops including a local antiques centre, a few pubs, restaurants & numerous surrounding parks.
There is parking on-site for all artists if required. Though the residency feels remote it is close to local amenities and it is possible to attend without a vehicle. For those without a car, Proposition Studios recommends a bicycle, for those with a car they encourage & appreciate car pooling when possible.
