Applications for residencies are currently OPEN

For our next round of artist residencies, we are inviting artists to consider responses to the idea of Play, which is the theme for our 2025 Open for Art Festival.

• How does play influence your creativity?

• How can play create connection?

• How can you inspire others to play in your town?

• What role does play have in the local and global arts community?

We encourage you to explore the joy, experimentation, and possibilities that emerge through play in all its forms. Whether through playful processes, reimagining spaces for play, or exploring the deeper meanings of playfulness, we welcome proposals that reflect on the power of play in creating meaningful art.

These residencies will take place between June 2025 and September 2025. Residencies are for a two week period, starting on a Tuesday and finishing on a Monday.

The deadline for applications is 9pm Wednesday 19 February 2025 

Selection Criteria


Applications are assessed by a panel comprising the Jelly team and trustees.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• a commitment to contemporary art practice and engagement with a wider contemporary art context.

• a clear vision for the development of their work.

• how a studio will benefit and develop their practice.

• a willingness to actively contribute to and a desire to be involved with our artistic programme.

• a desire to contribute to Jelly’s ethos and values. 

• respond to the theme 'Play’'.

• A willingness to consider the sustainability of your residency.

Eligibility

Jelly welcomes applications from artists working in a range of media and at any stage of their careers. Jelly encourages collaborative practice and welcomes applications from collectives wishing to share a studio space, where practical. These residencies are only open to artists who have not previously participated in a paid residency with Jelly.

It is the intent of Jelly to make sure that artists in genuine need of developing their work make the most appropriate use of the space for the time period. 

We are committed to a programme that truly reflects the diversity of our local community. Reading is home to a wide range of cultures, and we are especially keen to encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including artists who identify as Black, Asian, or from other Global Majority backgrounds. We believe that diversity enriches creativity and collaboration, and we are dedicated to building an environment where artists from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported.

We encourage applications from artists working at all levels, from recent graduates to those with emerging or established successful careers.

Residency includes: 

Stipend: £300

Additionally you will have free use of a studio space for two weeks (which is equivalent to £75 studio rent).

The money will be a contribution to production costs and public engagement. 

Space: You will be given your own space to work within the Jelly studios. 

Access to this space is 24 hours, public access is 9 - 6pm Mon - Sat, 10 - 5pm Sun. 

This space is yours to create in. 

Support: The Jelly team will support you in the development of your public engagement activities and considering how these can most benefit your own arts practice.

Promotion: Your practice and residency will be promoted through our social media channels.

Associate Artist scheme: You will receive one year of free membership to our Associate Artist scheme in order to receive continued support and development from Jelly (which is equivalent to £72). You can see more about the scheme here https://www.jelly.org.uk/associate-artists 

Artist obligations: 

Minimum commitment of two weeks working in the space. We understand that everyone has different obligations on their time and we welcome artists to work flexibly during the two week period, with the option to make use of 24 hour access to the studios.

Contribution to our social media channels in the form of images and words. 

Audience participation - We require 2 public facing activities during the residency. This can come in many forms, for example a public facing workshop, artist talk or working in the space while allowing the public to observe. We will require one of these activities to happen at the weekend.

Evaluation: Artists will be required to attend one meeting and complete one form to give feedback on their residency. There will be a choice between online or in person and we hope that as well as providing insight for Jelly it will be a beneficial experience for the artist.

Artists are encouraged to discuss any access requirements with Jelly before applying and are also welcome to contact the Jelly team if they need help completing their application or wish to apply in a different format..

If you would like to discuss the residency process ahead of your application then please message using the form below

These residencies are funded by the Arts Council