Open Call: Residencies & Workshops

Would you like to be considered for an in-store residency? Or how about hosting a workshop at GreatArt?

Since opening in 2016, our front of house space has hosted a wide range of artists and art activities throughout the year and once again we’re inviting our community of artists to be part of it!

Applications are now open for you to send GreatArt your proposals for the chance to be selected to work in the front of house. Residency artists will be able to create new work, interact with interested customers, discuss their practice with them, and make contacts that could lead to sales.

If you fancy running a workshop, it’s a great way to demonstrate your skills, and inspire others with a new technique. Those who take part may also want to join workshops you run elsewhere in the future, so lots of potential for a growing business!

As well as providing you with a great experiance, we’ll be promoting your residency or workshop to our community of artists through our store, online magazine and social media, offering you another chance to raise your profile!

Residencies

Hear some feedback from artists who have created work in the store!

“It was really great and I met lots of interesting people. Such a pleasure working in the space, it was relaxed and a beautiful environment. The staff were all super friendly and supportive too.” – Jessica Ballantyne

“My artist residency at GreatArt was a lot of fun and a great way to connect my artwork with an audience. Painting live meant I could talk about my process and show people in-person at the same time. GreatArt were hugely supportive and really let me do my thing!” – Dd Regalo

Ben Connors turned the space into a multi sensory art space. He painted a large scale abstract piece while musician friends played their instruments around him!

“The project allowed me a bit of creative and physical breathing space to make something new and try some new materials. The environment was very supportive and I’m very grateful for the experience.” – Ben Connors

Workshops

Cool it Art regularly hold workshops aimed at children and families.

“I have immensely enjoyed the opportunity to run workshops at GreatArt Shoreditch. The great thing about the workshops is it helps continue to enhance my own professional development whilst meeting a broad range of people who come in to the store. I enjoy the challenge of coming up with new and exciting workshops to engage the public; with different themes or to give them the experience of new materials. GreatArt have been, and continue to be, supportive of all types of creativity which is simply fantastic – it is a real pleasure to work there!” – Amanda Callis, Cool it Art

“Everyone in the store was really helpful, I really enjoyed the weekend and speaking with customers through Saturday. My workshop on Sunday went really well and everyone got lots of painting done – and I hope, learnt a few things too! I had a great time, thank you so much for having me.” – Katie Putt

How do I apply for a residency or to run workshop at GreatArt?

1. Write your proposal. What themes and techniques will you use? How would you use the space? What would you teach our customers, or how would you interact with them? Please also include any images that will help illustrate your idea, such as examples of your work, and any website or social media platforms you use to promote your practise. The more details you include the better!
2. Send it to [email protected] by the 31st December 2019.
3. We’ll make a selection from the proposals we receive and contact the artists chosen by the 31st January 2020.
4. Those shortlisted will be contacted and invited to discuss their proposals further before the final selection.
5. We will have dates available during 2020 and will work with the selected artists to book their residency or workshop into our store calendar.

What should I consider when preparing my proposal?

• Residencies and workshops take place in the front of house area and therefore should not obstruct customers. Feel free to drop in and see the space before submitting your proposal.
• Residencies should last a maximum of 2 days and artists may only work in the store during normal opening hours.
• GreatArt celebrates all forms of art, however, because the store is visited by families and children the work being created or displayed on site must be suitable for all audiences to view.
• GreatArt will recommend suitable dates and times for your residency or workshop to take place. If your proposal is seasonal or dependent on specific dates please include this in your proposal.
• Participating artists will be required to comply with the GreatArt In-Store Residency / Workshop Terms. A copy of this will be supplied in the event your application is successful.
• Proposals must be received by email by the Midnight on the 31st December 2019.

For inspiration, take a look at some of our upcoming store events in our online magazine, or on our instagram!

Don’t forget proposals must be received at [email protected] by Midnight on 31.12.19 to be considered. We look forward to hearing your ideas!