Organizer Information
The Open Doors Arts Programme is a vibrant arts initiative delivering free and inclusive creative activities across Newark and the wider Newark and Sherwood district. Funded by Arts Council England and delivered by Newark and Sherwood District Council, Open Doors provides diverse programming in visual arts, creative writing, music, heritage, theatre, and participatory projects. Its mission is to engage children, families, young people, D/deaf and disabled communities, and underserved audiences, fostering creativity, cultural participation, and community connection.
Since 2023, Open Doors has included Artist Residency programs in partnership with key local institutions like the National Civil War Centre, Newark Museum, and The Palace Theatre Newark, providing early- to mid-career artists with opportunities to co-create participatory, socially engaged work inspired by historical collections, heritage sites, and local communities.
Title & Description
Open Doors Artist Residency 2026–2027 – Newark & Sherwood
Open Doors is seeking two early- to mid-career artists, creatives, or collectives for residencies based in public studio spaces at the National Civil War Centre and Newark Museum. These residencies invite practitioners to engage directly with local community groups, co-create artworks, and interact with visitors on-site, producing inclusive, participatory art inspired by historical artefacts, collections, buildings, and heritage sites.
Artists will lead workshops, community activities, and Family Saturday events while developing their own work in a professional, publicly accessible studio. The program encourages socially engaged, accessible, environmentally responsive practices that strengthen cultural participation and inspire creative interpretation across the East Midlands.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Performance
- Theatre
- Video/Film
- Sound/Music
- Multimedia
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Textile Art
- Illustration/Printmaking
- Creative Writing
Residencies are open to projects across multiple media, experimental approaches, and collaborative community-focused work.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be UK residents and registered with HMRC as self-employed
- Early- to mid-career individual artists or collectives
- Experience in participatory, community-engaged arts practice
- Ability to work with diverse groups, including children, families, neurodiverse communities, D/deaf and disabled participants, and underserved populations
- Willingness to provide insurance, DBS certificate, or undergo a new DBS check
Program Benefits & Awards
- Residencies of 5½ months each: May–Sept 2026 and Oct 2026–Mar 2027
- Up to £19,500 budget per residency (excluding VAT), covering daily fees, materials, travel, and accommodation (if required)
- Dedicated public studio space at the National Civil War Centre
- Access to historic collections and support from the Collections and Exhibitions teams
- Opportunities to lead participatory workshops and community events
- Creation of co-produced artworks with visitors and community groups
- Production of a creative record of residency, including digital/printed documentation, performances, or objects
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Statement of interest addressing how they will deliver residency aims and outputs
- Evidence of previous participatory arts experience with relevant groups
- CV(s)
- Costed budget including daily fees, materials, and transport
- Two referee contacts from the past two years
- Specify preferred residency dates and application as an individual or a collective
- Optional submission as a 3-minute video (MP4) or audio file (MP3) including fee breakdown, CV, and referee details
How to Apply?
Send your written, audio, or video proposal to: opendoors@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 3 March 2026
- Shortlist Interviews: 2026/03/10–11 (in person or via Teams)
- Residency Periods:
- Residency 1: May 2026 – Sept 2026
- Residency 2: Oct 2026 – Mar 2027
Location
Newark, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Studio is accessible by lift and stairs; includes wi-fi, spotlights, furniture, and museum display cases
- Off-site workshops target low-engagement or underserved communities
- Outputs include workshops, Family Saturday activities, half-term programming, visitor engagement metrics, and residency documentation
- Practice should be socially engaged, participatory, inclusive, and environmentally responsive