Organizer Information
Farnham World Craft Town is England's first designated World Craft Town, a status recognised by the World Crafts Council and celebrated during a visit from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in February 2026, marking five years of the designation. The programme is managed by Farnham Town Council and supported by the Farnham South Street Trust, working alongside the town's craft community, including the Farnham School of Furniture Making — one of the UK's most respected centres for furniture education. Since 2024, Farnham World Craft Town has run an annual Artist in Residence programme, having previously hosted a glass artist from Ireland (2024), a ceramicist from Italy (2025), and a metalsmith from the USA (2026), each producing a piece for the town's local craft collection.
Title & Description
Farnham Craft Town Artist in Residence Opportunity 2027
Farnham World Craft Town is offering a 4–6 week residency in Farnham, Surrey, UK, during Spring 2027, based at the Farnham School of Furniture Making. The residency is part of a committed three-year series supporting artists and makers. After a structured introductory programme, the resident is given space to develop their own ideas and create a body of work, with encouragement to take a collaborative approach — working with local makers and materials, engaging with the local community, on social media, and with the student body in Farnham. The resident is asked to create a piece inspired by Farnham, which becomes part of the town's local craft collection.
Theme
A piece inspired by Farnham, created for the town's local craft collection; for 2027, priority is on work in wood and furniture making.
Categories
- Craft
- Fiber/Textile Art
- Design
- Residency
- Art
Eligibility
- Open to creatives at all stages of their development
- Priority given this year to artists working in wood and furniture making
- Applications particularly welcomed from makers based in other World Craft Towns
- Relevant specialisms include cabinet making, hand-cut joinery, marquetry & inlay, wood turning, wood carving, green woodworking, coopering, and work with sustainable or reclaimed timber — applications welcomed across these and many other disciplines within wood and furniture making
Program Benefits & Awards
- Fully covered travel costs
- Living costs covered
- Contribution to materials
- Free studio space and accommodation
- Opportunity to exhibit a new body of work created during the residency
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 2 October 2026
- Residency period: Spring 2027 (the general programme page indicates February–March)
Location
Farnham, Surrey, United Kingdom
Additional Details
Shortlisted applicants will take part in an initial online conversation with key organisations in Farnham to explore their aspirations for the residency and discuss what further support might be needed. Farnham World Craft Town has indicated openness to discussing flexibility if any aspect of the offer needs adapting to suit the resident's needs.