Deadline: 15-Sep-2025
The Gasworks invites applications for its fully funded eleven-week residency in London from 7 January to 23 March 2026, open exclusively to early-career contemporary visual artists based in Central America.
The residencies programme supports professional development, cultural exchange, and artistic experimentation. All residencies are self-led, non-prescriptive and process-based, enabling artists to research and develop new work, engage with the city, and build their networks. Residents are expected to be self-motivated and lead on the research and production of their own work, with administrative, pastoral, and curatorial support provided throughout.
The selected artist will benefit from comprehensive resources including 24-hour access to a private studio, single-room accommodation in Gasworks’ Residency House, economy return flights, visa costs and support, a weekly stipend of £150, a materials budget of up to £800, a prepaid travel card for unlimited travel within central London, studio visits, participation in an Open Studio event, access to basic tools and AV equipment, a dedicated residency page on Gasworks’ website, networking opportunities, and at least two individual studio visits with other artists, curators, and arts professionals.
Eligibility is limited to artists from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, who have at least a moderate level of spoken English and have not previously had the opportunity to work in London. Selection prioritises artists making high-quality work who have not had this opportunity before, with a panel of representatives from Gasworks and external advisors making the final decision after online interviews with shortlisted candidates.
Gasworks encourages applications from all backgrounds, with fully accessible facilities and arrangements for accessible accommodation if needed. Residencies are offered to individual artists only, with no provision for partners or children in the shared accommodation, though those able to arrange their own family accommodation in London may still apply.
The Gasworks Residency Open Call 2026 offers a rare opportunity for early-career artists from Central America to immerse themselves in London’s vibrant art scene while developing their practice in a supportive and resource-rich environment. Over the eleven-week residency, artists will have access to facilities and opportunities designed to foster both artistic growth and professional networking.
Hosted in the dynamic Gasworks space, residents will work alongside a community of international artists and local studio holders. The programme’s self-led approach ensures that participants have the creative freedom to pursue their research, experiment with new ideas, and engage meaningfully with the city’s diverse cultural offerings.
Practical support is provided through fully equipped studios, comfortable living arrangements, travel expenses, a stipend, and resources for materials. In addition, residents will participate in curated events such as studio visits and an Open Studio presentation, allowing them to share their work with peers, curators, and the public.
The residency honours the legacy of Shelagh Wakely, a British artist whose connections to Latin America, particularly Brazil, inspired the creation of this opportunity. Through the Shelagh Wakely Bequest, administered by The Elephant Trust, emerging artists from the region are given a platform to expand their networks, gain international exposure, and take significant steps in their professional development.
Applications must be submitted digitally via the online form on Gasworks’ website, and should include all required materials in one PDF file, adhering to the size and format specifications. The process involves careful consideration by a selection panel and an interview stage for shortlisted candidates.
For more information, visit Gasworks.