Organizer Information
This residency is delivered in partnership between Feral and South Ayrshire Council Museums & Galleries.
Feral is a Glasgow-based producing house that supports independent artists through touring, festivals, and creative residencies, particularly in visual theatre and outdoor arts.
South Ayrshire Council Museums & Galleries manage cultural sites including Rozelle House Museum & Galleries and the McKechnie Institute. Their venues hold historic collections, contemporary exhibitions, and access to expansive outdoor grounds and a UNESCO Biosphere coastal site. They support research, heritage engagement, and public programming across South Ayrshire.
Title & Description
South Ayrshire Outdoor Arts Residency (April–June 2026)
This residency invites Scotland-based artists and collectives to develop outdoor or site-specific performance projects responding to the diverse landscapes of South Ayrshire. The residency supports artistic experimentation beyond traditional performance venues and encourages reimagining public space through contemporary performance. Eligible practices include dance, live art, visual theatre, circus, and interdisciplinary forms.
Artists may research, explore, or begin developing new work within either of two key locations: the expansive grounds of Rozelle House Museum & Galleries or the coastal environment surrounding the McKechnie Institute and Girvan Beach. Both sites offer access to rich natural environments, heritage collections, and opportunities for contextual research. The residency does not require a final public outcome, though artists may choose to share research in accessible formats.
Categories
Outdoor Arts, Site-Specific Performance, Contemporary Performance, Dance, Live Art, Visual Theatre, Circus, Interdisciplinary Arts.
Eligibility
- Open to individual artists, collaborators, or collectives.
- Applicants must currently live and work in Scotland.
- For artists working in contemporary performance fields.
- Open to both experienced outdoor practitioners and those new to outdoor/site-responsive work.
- Artist teams should budget minimum pay rates aligned with Scottish Artist Union residency standards.
- Applications assessed by a panel representing Feral and South Ayrshire Council.
Program Benefits & Awards
- £3750 artist fee for preparation, research, and residency delivery (for up to two collaborators).
- £500 materials budget.
- Accommodation, travel, and per diems (as required).
- Access costs are covered where applicable.
- Support from South Ayrshire Council Museums & Galleries, including:
- Access to Rozelle House and McKechnie Institute collections
- Liaison with relevant departments
- Potential for public engagement activity at either site
- Two mentoring sessions with an Outdoor Arts mentor of your choice (£250 value).
- Producing support from Feral, including development planning.
- Optional sharing with local audiences (e.g., work-in-progress, talk, filmed piece, or other format).
- Support to secure all necessary permissions for working on the site.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Submit the online form with applicant info, project proposal, artistic background, chosen site(s), and access needs. Alternate formats available on request.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 11 January 2026
- Notification Date: Week commencing 26 January 2026
- Residency Period: April – June 2026
Location
Artists may base their residency at:
- Rozelle House Museum & Galleries — 37 hectares of woodland, botanical materials, parkland, ponds, and heritage collections.
- McKechnie Institute & Girvan Beach — Situated within a UNESCO Biosphere, featuring sandy and shingle beaches, harbour activity, and coastal wildlife.
Both venues are fully accessible and supported by cultural and ranger teams.
Additional Details
The partners welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and will work to support access needs throughout the application and residency.