Somerset House Studios is inviting applications from artists working in music and sound for a 12-month residency (April 2025 - March 2026). This opportunity is open to three artists whose practices are interested in experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration, demonstrating an engagement with bold ideas, urgent issues and/or new technologies. The year-long residency will be shaped through mentorship from artists including Beatrice Dillon and Elaine Mitchener. During this period, participating artists will develop new live work to be presented at Assembly, the Studios' bi-annual series of experimental music and performance, returning in Spring 2026.
Applicants should have a track record of publicly sharing music or sound projects (experience of doing so for up to six years) or be returning to their practice after a notable break. Artists should apply with a concept or idea that they would like to explore and develop during the residency and make the case that their practice will benefit from the opportunity. Artists must be London-based, over 18 and demonstrate that they meet the criteria.
Selection will be by a panel from the Somerset House Studios team and programme mentors.
What’s Included in the Residency:
- Free, dedicated studio space at Somerset House.
- £3,000.00 project budget (including artist fee).
- Mentorship programme: Artists will be paired with a primary mentor, with access to other mentors as needed throughout the residency.
- Production support, including access to recording studio and rehearsal spaces.
- A bespoke Artist Development Programme, featuring critical discussions and listening sessions.
- Dedicated time with a sound engineer.
- Editorial advice through sessions with The Wire magazine.
- Access to the artist community based at Somerset House Studios, with opportunities for networking, social events, and peer support.
- Support from the Somerset House Studios team to help develop and realise your project.
- An artist profile page on the Somerset House website, increasing visibility for your practice.
- Support for reasonable adjustments to assist with access requirements.
Criteria:
- Artists interested in experimentation across sound and music.
- Early to mid-career artists, with up to six years of experience producing music or sound-based projects that have been shared with the public (e.g., live performances, installations, public releases). Artists returning to music or sound after an extended time away are also encouraged to apply.
- Artists based in London and over 18 years of age.
- Artists who want be part of the Somerset House Studios’ artist community and are eager to collaborate, share ideas, and explore new directions in their work.
- We ask that you apply with a theme or idea you would like to explore and develop throughout the residency and make a case for how this opportunity could meaningfully impact your practice.
What’s Expected of Residency Participants:
- Active engagement in the Artist Development Programme, including participation in critical feedback sessions, social events, and collaborative discussions.
- Commitment to the mentorship programme, staying in regular contact with your mentor and taking part in the wider mentoring network.
- Actively use the studio as a workspace throughout the residency.
- An openness to collaboration and a desire to contribute to and benefit from the wider Studios community.
Timeline:
- November 2024: Open call for applications.
- 23:59 on Tuesday, 31 December 2024: Deadline for submissions.
- February 2025: Artist selection process.
- April 2025 - March 2026: Residency period.
- Spring 2026: Presentation of new works at Assembly.
About Assembly:
Somerset House Studios’ bi-annual series Assembly is a multi-day programme of experimental sound, music, and performance. Assembly features new commissions, collaborations, and live premieres, many of which are developed in residence at the Studios.
About Somerset House Studios:
Somerset House Studios is a space for experimentation in the centre of London connecting artists, makers and thinkers with audiences. The Studios supports artists across disciplines to push bold ideas, engage with urgent issues and experiment with new technologies. At the heart of Somerset House, the home of cultural innovators, up to 70 artists are resident at any one time for a period of between one and seven years, with a number of shorter-term national and international residency programmes running alongside.
