Organizer Information
This residency is delivered by Hampshire Cultural Trust, a major UK cultural organisation responsible for the care, interpretation, and public engagement of museums, galleries, and heritage sites across Hampshire. The Trust operates with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and focuses on preserving and reactivating regional cultural assets through contemporary programming, exhibitions, and community-led initiatives.
The opportunity is embedded within the redevelopment of the Allen Gallery in Alton, Hampshire—a Grade II listed institution known for its nationally significant ceramics collection. As part of its reopening strategy (scheduled for early 2027), the Trust is commissioning artists to reinterpret the collection through contemporary practice, strengthening the dialogue between heritage objects and present-day artistic production.
Title & Description
William Allen Artist Residency Opportunity – Creative Response to the Allen Gallery Collection
This is a research-led Residency and Exhibition opportunity for a UK-based artist working in Painting or Ceramics. The selected artist will develop a new body of work in response to the Allen Gallery collection, with a specific focus on the legacy of William Herbert Allen—artist, educator, collector, and key figure in the gallery’s historical identity.
The residency encourages artists to critically engage with Allen’s practice, his relationship to natural history, craft traditions, and industrial heritage, as well as his role in shaping the collection through his bequest. Artists will be given access to archival materials, including ceramics, paintings, sketches, and objects currently in storage.
The resulting work will contribute to a temporary display at the gallery’s reopening in early 2027, with the possibility of selected works being acquired for the permanent collection.
Alongside studio-based production, the artist will also be expected to contribute to public programming through 2 community engagement activities such as talks, workshops, or demonstrations.
This opportunity positions artistic research as a tool for the reinterpretation of museum collections, inviting new perspectives on material culture, historical narratives, and curatorial interpretation.
Categories
- Painting
- Ceramic
- Visual Arts
- Craft
- Installation
- Exhibition
- Curatorial
- Public Art
- Research
Eligibility
- UK-based artists only
- Artists working in Painting or Ceramics
- Practitioners at any career stage (emerging to established)
- Artists with an interest in heritage, collections, and museum-based research
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A strong contemporary art practice
- Ability to respond critically to historical collections
- Willingness to participate in public engagement activities
The programme actively supports Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and welcomes applications from underrepresented communities across the UK arts sector.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Total fee of £3,250 (inclusive of all expenses)
- Access to the Allen Gallery collection and archival materials
- Studio-based research and development period
- Inclusion in the Allen Gallery reopening programme (2027)
- Opportunity for works to be shown in a public exhibition
- Potential acquisition of artwork into the permanent collection
- Support in delivering community engagement activities (workshops, talks, or demonstrations)
The fee covers:
- Artist time and research
- Materials and production costs
- Fabrication and subcontracted work
- Transport and delivery of artworks
- Participation in meetings and development sessions
- Community engagement delivery costs
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV with full contact details
- Artist statement (max 300 words) outlining motivation and approach
- Up to 3 images of recent work
- Links to portfolio or website (optional but recommended)
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via email: allen.gallery@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 May 2026
- Residency Period: 2026 (exact schedule to be confirmed with selected artist)
- Exhibition / Gallery Reopening: Early 2027
Location
Alton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- An artist must hold valid Public Liability Insurance
- The selected artist will work closely with the project curator and collection team
- Access will be provided to the stored collection materials in Winchester
- Work should engage with themes of heritage, craft, and material culture
- Two public-facing engagement activities are mandatory during residency
- Selected works may be considered for museum acquisition
- Applications must reflect alignment with the gallery’s redevelopment vision
- Strong emphasis on reinterpretation of historical ceramics through contemporary practice