Organizer Information:

Hands-on (in partnership with A Space Residence). Hands-on is a learning platform for visual art, cultural practice, and critical exchange committed to unsettling dominant cultural frameworks and fostering translocal dialogue.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the Hands-on Residency (4th Edition).

This is a six-week online program designed to foster deep critical reflection and cultural exchange. Guided by the curatorial concept "Developing a More Human Future," participants will engage directly with invited thinkers (art historians, writers, curators, and advisors) to expand their conceptual frameworks. The residency culminates in a physical group exhibition in London in July 2026.

Category:

Visual Arts & Design.

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open to international visual artists and designers.
  • Selection Limit: Only 5 artists will be selected.
  • Attendance: High attendance during the 6-week online program is required to fully benefit from the experience. Artists must also be available for an online studio visit.
  • Production Requirement: Residents MUST produce a minimum of three (3) works by the end of the residency (June 21, 2026) to be presented in the final exhibition.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Online Mentorship: Weekly structured sessions with guest speakers including Maria Positano (Artist), Hettie Judah (Writer/Critic), Lawrence Van Hagen (Art Advisor), and Senem Cagla Bilgin-Keys (Curator).
  • Final Exhibition: A physical group exhibition in July 2026 hosted by A Space Residence in London.
  • Publication: Each artist will be featured in the Hands-on Journal, including an interview about their practice and residency project.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: £30 GBP (Non-refundable).
  • Participation Fee: If selected, an additional £150 GBP participation fee is required to access the program and produce the exhibition. (Note: This can be split into installments upon prior agreement).
  • Shipping: Transportation and shipping of the physical artworks to London for the exhibition are NOT included and are the responsibility of the artist.

Application Requirements:

  • Applications are subject to review by the Hands-on team, A Space Residence, and the residency curator.
  • Required Documents:
    1. Artist Statement
    2. CV/Biography
    3. Project Proposal

How to Apply?

Submit your materials and application fee via the official Hands-on online application form.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: May 3, 2026.
  • Residency Dates (Online): May 11 – June 21, 2026 (6 Weeks).
  • Final Exhibition (London): July 2026.

Location:

Online Program + In-Person Exhibition in London, UK (A Space Residence, 237 Caledonian Road, London, N1 1ED).

Contact Information:

Inquiries Email: info@hands-onprojects.com

Website & Details: https://hands-onprojects.com