Organizer Information

The residency is hosted by Contains Art CIO, a charity based at East Quay in Watchet, Somerset. Contains Art runs the East Quay gallery, studios, and educational programme. Their mission centers on making high-quality arts, cultural, and creative opportunities accessible, encouraging social, economic, and environmental conversations through art, and bringing wonder and beauty to their community.

Title & Description

Maker Residency 2026 – East Quay, Watchet
This open call invites a craft-based maker to take part in a two-month residency in Studio 10, the multi-use project space at East Quay, Watchet. The residency is designed to give makers dedicated time and space to deeply explore their craft practice, build relationships with other creatives, and engage with the local community. While any craft discipline is welcome, preference will be given to practices using handmade skills, traditional or contemporary tools, and materials. Applicants are encouraged (but not required) to consider themes that align with East Quay’s programming: Peripherality, Transition & Alternative Futures, and Joy & Wonder. Over the course of the residency, the maker may also run community workshops, providing a hands-on, participatory experience for the public.

Categories

  • Craft / Traditional Arts
  • Textiles & Fibre
  • Woodworking
  • Metalworking / Jewelry / Silversmithing
  • Papercraft
  • Stone carving / Stonemasonry
  • Other handcrafted disciplines

Eligibility

  • Makers living or working in West Somerset, Taunton Deane, Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Mendip, or northern/mid Devon.
  • Craft-based practitioners (not limited to fine art): those working with hands-on, traditional or contemporary craft techniques.
  • Able to be regularly present in Studio 10 throughout the residency.
  • Makers who are willing to share their practice and possibly lead workshops (optional).

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Residency duration: 2 months (4 April – 7 June 2026) in Studio 10 at East Quay.
  • Honorarium: £1,200 (including VAT), to cover artist stipend, materials, and travel.
  • Studio use: free use of Studio 10 (no rental cost).
  • Additional funding (optional): up to £1,000 available for makers who run at least 4 craft-based workshops during the residency.
  • Support: Contains Art team helps with workshop coordination, community outreach, and promotion.

Application Fee

No Entry fee

Application Requirements

  1. A completed application form (available in their application pack).
  2. CV / résumé.
  3. Portfolio or work samples that demonstrate their craft practice (photos, documentation of previous work).
  4. A short proposal describing what they plan to make during the residency, including any connection to the themes (optional but encouraged).
  5. Indication of willingness to run workshops (if applicable) and how they envision them.

How to Apply

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application deadline: 14 December 2025
  • Residency dates: 4 April 2026 – 7 June 2026

Location

East Quay, Watchet, Somerset, United Kingdom

Additional Details

  • The residency does not include accommodation: makers must arrange their own housing, though Contains Art is open to discussing specific challenges.
  • The chosen maker is expected to be active in the studio, open to engaging with visitors, other artists, and possibly leading community workshops.
  • Art is interested in supporting hands-on, craft-based processes, so proposals that involve traditional making, material exploration, or experimental craft are strongly encouraged.
  • The £1,000 additional fee for workshops is subject to negotiation and discussion, depending on the maker’s proposal and capacity.

Website Link: https://www.eastquaywatchet.co.uk/contains-art

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