Short Description
This pilot is an initiative designed to foster international collaboration and creative exchange between disabled artists from the UK and China. Through a mix of in-person residencies and digital exchange, up to four disabled artists (two disabled artists based in Scotland and two disabled artists based in Mainland China), will be supported to explore new ideas, deepen their practice, and connect meaningfully with artists, organisations, and audiences in a different cultural context.
The residency program will bring the selected UK and Chinese artists for residencies in Scotland and Hangzhou, with two weeks spent together in each location. We hope that during the in-person residency, artists from both countries can bring their own cultural perspectives to their host communities, engaging with local artists and community through public events, open studios, and other activities. Through their artistic practices, they will foster deeper cultural exchange between the two countries.
Eligibility
- Be disabled artists and/or creative practitioners based in Mainland China（currently live and work in China）
- Engage in contemporary artistic practice
- Be available for all online and in-person residency dates
We are especially interested in artists who:
- Have an open-minded approach to cross-cultural working
- Are curious about artistic exchange with contemporary UK arts contexts
- Have experience in public engagement (e.g. workshops, talks)
- Can work both independently and collaboratively
- Want to develop or deepen their international practice
How to Apply
Please email residency@byartmatters.com with your application in either of the following formats：
- A Word document answering the seven questions
- A video or audio file (up to 3 minutes in total) covering all questions
Program Benefits & Awards
Each selected Chinese artist will receive a £4,627 grant to cover:
- Artist fee
- Per diems (daily expenses)
- Visa and travel documentation costs
Artist will also receive up to £1000 grant to cover international flights/travel upon receipt of flight booking details
Artists will be responsible for organising your own travel using their grant. Support will be available for visa applications, but artists will be expected to pay for their visa costs using the grant. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the travel dates.
Accommodation and studio/workspace during in-person residencies will be arranged and fully covered by the programme.
Entry Fee
None
Location
China & United Kingdom
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 11 June 2025
- Residency Period in Scotland: 28 July–8 August 2025
- Artist Residency in Hangzhou: 22 November _ December 2025
Website Link: https://www.britishcouncil.cn/en/programmes/arts/2×2-residency-opencall
