Residency Open Call for Artists Based in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

The Gasworks Residency 2026 offers early-career visual artists from Aotearoa New Zealand a fully funded opportunity to develop their practice in London. Hosted by Gasworks, the programme supports self-directed artistic research, international exchange, and professional networking. Selected artists receive flights, accommodation, stipend, studio space, and curatorial support during the residency period.

Overview of the Residency

The Gasworks Residency is an international artist residency programme designed to support emerging artists through:

• Artistic experimentation
• Cultural exchange
• Professional development
• Global exposure

The programme is self-directed, allowing artists to independently shape their research, creative process, and outcomes.

Residency Details

Location and Duration

• Location: London
• Venue: Gasworks studios
• Dates: 30 September – 15 December 2026

Programme Format

• Self-led and non-prescriptive
• Research-focused and process-based
• No requirement for a final exhibition outcome
• Emphasis on experimentation and exploration

What the Residency Supports

The residency encourages artists to:

• Develop new work
• Explore new ideas and mediums
• Engage with the local cultural scene
• Build international networks
• Conduct research and experimentation
• Participate in studio visits and discussions

Funding and Benefits

The programme is fully funded, reducing financial barriers for participation.

Financial and logistical support:

• Economy return flights (New Zealand ↔ London)
• Visa costs covered
• Accommodation provided
• Weekly stipend: £175

Additional support:

• Materials budget: up to £800
• Prepaid travel card (central London)
• Private studio space (24/7 access)
• Administrative and curatorial support
• Pastoral support during residency

Professional opportunities:

• Studio visits with curators and art professionals
• Networking events
• Open Studio event to showcase work

Who is Eligible?

The residency is specifically targeted at early-career artists.

Eligibility criteria:

• Must be a contemporary visual artist
• Must be based in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Must be early-career (emerging artists)
• Must demonstrate a strong artistic practice
• Must be comfortable communicating in English

Priority consideration:

• Artists who have not previously worked in London

What is a Self-Directed Residency?

A self-directed residency allows artists to:

• Define their own goals and outcomes
• Work without strict guidelines or deliverables
• Focus on exploration rather than production
• Experiment freely with ideas and materials

This format supports creative freedom and innovation.

Expected Outcomes

While not mandatory, artists are encouraged to:

• Develop new artistic concepts or works
• Build international collaborations
• Expand their professional network
• Gain exposure to new audiences and contexts

The residency concludes with:

• An Open Studio event showcasing ongoing or completed work

Why This Residency Matters

The Gasworks Residency provides a high-impact international platform.

Key benefits:

• Access to London’s global art scene
• Exposure to international curators and institutions
• Time and space for uninterrupted creative work
• Strengthened artistic practice and career growth
• Opportunities for long-term collaborations

How to Apply

Step-by-step process:

• Prepare portfolio showcasing artistic work
• Develop a clear proposal or research idea
• Highlight goals for the residency
• Demonstrate relevance of London-based experience
• Submit application to Gasworks
• Await selection and review process

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Application mistakes:

• Submitting a weak or unfocused portfolio
• Lack of clarity in artistic direction
• Overly rigid project proposals (not suited to self-directed format)

Eligibility mistakes:

• Applying without meeting location criteria
• Not demonstrating early-career status

Strategy mistakes:

• Not showing how residency will benefit artistic growth
• Ignoring international engagement aspects

Tips for Strong Applications

• Present a strong, cohesive portfolio
• Emphasise experimentation and research goals
• Show openness to new ideas and collaboration
• Highlight how London’s art scene will benefit your work
• Keep proposal flexible and exploratory
• Demonstrate commitment to artistic development

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Gasworks Residency?

It is a fully funded international residency for early-career artists to develop their practice in London.

Who can apply?

Early-career contemporary visual artists based in Aotearoa New Zealand.

What does the residency cover?

Flights, visa, accommodation, stipend, materials budget, studio space, and professional support.

How long is the residency?

From 30 September to 15 December 2026.

Is the residency structured?

No, it is self-directed and flexible.

Is there a final exhibition?

Not mandatory, but an Open Studio event is आयोजित to present work.

What is the main benefit of this residency?

International exposure, professional networking, and dedicated time for creative development.

Conclusion

The Gasworks Residency 2026 is a valuable opportunity for emerging artists from Aotearoa New Zealand to expand their practice in an international context. By offering full financial support, creative freedom, and access to London’s vibrant art ecosystem, the programme enables artists to experiment, connect, and grow professionally on a global stage.