Organizer Information:

MoorBees at Wray Barton is an artist-run, nature-based art space located on an 11-acre historic estate on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in South-West England. The property features a Victorian Gothic manor, 1,000-year-old ruins, ancient rose gardens, wild beehives, and "secret monks' tunnels," providing a highly magical and historical environment for creative immersion.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the 2026 Self-Directed Art Residencies.

This program offers short-to-long-term residencies designed for practitioners seeking inspiration, focused work, and an "old-fashioned way of living." Residents can work independently or commune with fellow artists and the natural landscape. The organizers also offer optional practices to commune with the wild honeybee hives and group excursions to Dartmoor National Park.

Category:

Multidisciplinary.

(Open to visual artists, makers, writers, musicians, and all other creative practitioners).

Eligibility:

  • Who: International practitioners from all creative disciplines.
  • Selection Criteria: Since capacity is limited to 8 people, applicants are selected based on artistic experience, past work, project ideas, compatibility with other residents, and "evidence of how big and open their heart is."

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Accommodation & Workspace: Private bedrooms (6 options ranging from rooms in the main manor house to a self-contained garden roundhouse) with shared or en-suite bathrooms. Residents live and work throughout the high-ceilinged house and the expansive, enclosed 11-acre gardens.
  • Meals: Healthy vegetarian lunch and dinner are provided daily. (Note: Breakfast is self-catering; residents have access to shared kitchens).
  • Exhibition Opportunity (Summer Residency Only): Artists applying for the full 3-month summer residency will participate in the Devon Open Studios Exhibition (Sept 6-20, 2026).

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.
  • Residency Fees: This is a strictly self-funded residency. Artists must pay the following fees (a 50% non-refundable deposit is required within 14 days of acceptance):
    • 2 Weeks (14 days): £1,200 (1 person) or £2,300 (2 people sharing).
    • 4 Weeks (28 days): £2,400 (1 person) or £4,600 (2 people sharing).
    • Full Summer (approx. 3 months, includes exhibition): £7,200.(Note: The organizers encourage artists to seek funding through their local arts councils or via crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe).

Application Requirements:

Artists are encouraged to suggest multiple residency date options when applying. (Specific application materials/forms are detailed on their website).

How to Apply?

Applications are accepted year-round via the MoorBees website.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: Rolling / Year-Round. * Residency Dates (2026):
    • 2-Week Blocks: June 1–14 | June 26–July 9 | July 10–23 | July 27–Aug 9 | Aug 11–24
    • 4-Week Blocks: June 26–July 23 | July 27–Aug 23
    • Full Summer Block: June 26–Sept 21

Location:

Wray Valley (near Dartmoor National Park), Devon, South-West England, UK.

Contact Information:

Website: MoorBees Residencies