RESIDENCY FAQS

What is the purpose of 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. The Studios develops ambitious cross disciplinary projects and creative collaborations on a range of scales, and powers Channel, Somerset House’s online space for art, ideas and the artistic process.

Outside of supported programmes, resident artists pay for their studios but the cost is subsidised by Somerset House to ensure it remains as low as possible. We use the term ‘resident’ as we offer more than just space. Our year-round community, artist development and public programmes offer opportunities for artists to develop projects, connect and collaborate with fellow residents, gain critical feedback on new work, expand their networks, receive one-to-one support, develop skills for working with young people alongside many other professional development strands. Artists propose a focus for their residency as part of their application and the Studios team work to support each artist to achieve these goals.

APPLICATION PROCESS

How can I apply for a studio?

Residencies at Somerset House Studios are by invitation, with space becoming available on an ad hoc basis, with residencies ending at different stages. Outside of focused open calls, which are published on the Somerset House website and promoted through newsletters and social media channels, artists can express their interest through our year-round expression of interest form and may be contacted to complete a more detailed application should a suitable space be available. The expression of interest form can be found here.

Am I able to view the studios?

You can view the studios spaces online here. Following receipt of your application, eligoble artists may be invited to come in to view the studios and discuss their application with the team in person.

How long are residencies at Somerset House Studios?

Eligible artists are invited to apply for an initial period of between 1 - 3 years. The duration proposed should relate to a planned period of activity for the artist around their own aims and objectives. Artists applying for an initial period of less than 3 years are entitled to apply to extend up to 3 years, reviewed on a case by case basis. After completing a 3-year residency, it's possible for residents to apply for a 2-year extension up to a maximum 5 years. We anticipate c.50% of artists will be granted this extension, in order to ensure we can bring new artists into the comunity. Residents who have completed 5 years in residence may be invited to apply for a final 2-year extension, taking the residency to 7 years. This extension is by invitation only. In some exceptional circumstances, artists may be invited to extend beyond this 7-year period, this is strictly by invitation at the discretion of Somerset House, and will largely be connected to the delivery of a major project. A minimum of 15% of resident artists must move on each year in order to make space for new artists to join the community.

We’re a group of individual artists looking to share a space – can we apply as a group?

Yes, but each artist will be evaluated on their own merit.

What happens if I’m offered a studio?

Invited artists will be offered a specific studio space and issued with a studio agreement with full residency information, along with details for how to pay a deposit of £200 inc. VAT, or 1 months’ rent inc. VAT (whichever is the higher value). Please let us know ASAP if your position has changed or if you are no longer available to take the studio space.

What if my situation changes? Is there a notice period?

A notice period of three months (six months for larger graduation studios) must be given by either parties in order to leave Somerset House Studios before the end of the agreement.

Can I sublet my space?

No, subletting is not possible.

Financial

What’s included in the cost of space?

Dedicated studio or desk space at Somerset House Studios with 24 hour access
Internet, cleaning, electricity, heating charges, water charges and building insurance (not content insurance)
Artist profile page on the Somerset House website
A Somerset House Studios postal address
Access to social spaces which include games rooms, kitchen, residents café/bar and screening facilities
Access to free artist development opportunities
Opportunities to attend and initiate community events and socials
Access to free private meeting room space (subject to availability)
Access to larger project spaces including rehearsal space with sprung floor and recording studio at subsidised artist rates
Access to private event space at Somerset House at subsidised artist rates
Access to Makerversity workshop facilities at subsidised artist rates
Invitations to private views and Somerset House public programmes
Discounts across the Somerset House site including cafés, restaurants and shops

Are my contents insured under Somerset House Studios insurance policy?

Building insurance is included in the cost of your studio but any property kept on the premises is your responsibility and you should obtain your own insurance for your contents, if required. We advise artists to bring in lockable storage for shared studios.

How does payment work?

Payment is by monthly direct debit processed using GoCardless, all residents must set up a GoCardless account.

What happens when my residency comes to an end?

At the end of the residency, each studio space must be left as it was found at the beginning of the residency. Making good costs must be covered by the residents before they leave; any costs to Somerset House in relation to making good will be deducted from the artists’ deposit, outlined in more detail in your studio agreement. Long-term residents will have the option to join our Alumni scheme, a paid hot-desking membership that aims to continue nurturing artist relationships beyond holding a physical studio space at Somerset House.

SOMERSET HOUSE STUDIOS LOGISTICS

What time will I have access to my studio?

24 hour access is possible for all Somerset House Studios residents, with some guidance around working at unusual hours and working alone in a space.

What is the minimum usage for studio space at Somerset House Studios?

Space at Somerset House Studios is in high demand and is offered to artists based on the understanding that it will be their main space of work. Artists must be committed to using their studio at least two days / 16 hours per working week. We understand that artists may need to be away from their studio to undertake projects and residencies which is permitted as long as Somerset House Studios is kept informed. If Somerset House Studios feel that a studio space is being under used, the artist residency period may be reviewed.

How does shared space work?

This depends on the type of space, as outlined in more detail in your studio agreement. We encourage artists to create a working environment that suits their individual needs, and ask that they consider and respect others working around them and keep an open dialogue about how space is shared.

How are the Vault spaces shared?

Vault spaces have two floors with different artist residents on each floor. A shared vault floor is based on artist residents splitting athe space as outlined in your studio agreement. Shared vaults are let on the basis that no more than four artists are using each floor full time. For shorter periods of activity, such as temporary growth of a team to deliver a project, no more than 6 people should be working on any vault floor at one time.

How does shared space work if I apply for a desk in a shared studio?

Desks in shared studios are let by desk, one desk per person. Where artists require two desks, multiple personnel may use the second desk on a part-time basis but residents are not permitted to expand beyond this with additional chairs or tables or use the shared space for more than one person per desk. The lead artist must always have a designated desk. Where additional personnel are working with an artist on a regular basis in a shared desk studio, the artist must apply for an additional desk or consider a more suitable type of space.

Will I have a choice about who I share my studio with?

The majority of our studio spaces are shared and Somerset House Studios will endeavour to ensure that artists are paired with those who can work well together, but artists cannot choose a certain space based on current occupants.

Can I move studio if my circumstances change?

While we aim to be as flexible as possible, this may not always be possible and any studio move would be on a case by case basis subject to availability.

Are studios furnished?

For those applying for a desk space in a shared studio, a basic furniture inventory of a desk space and chair is provided. This furniture has been reclaimed and repurposed from the building and is not office regulation furniture, which Somerset House Studios does not supply.

Private booths are not furnished but some shelving and storage is contained in the booth itself. Small solo studios, large solo studios and vault spaces are unfurnished.

Can I bring in my own furniture?

Yes, for spaces that are unfurnished. Artists must consult with Somerset House Studios before bringing in any large items as Somerset House is a Grade I listed building and furniture should be freestanding where possible. We do allow you to have a fridge within your studio, however we prefer that it does not have a freezer compartment to minimise the risk of leaks in the building. Please note that no toasters are permitted on-site and kettles are only permitted in the vault spaces.

Can I decorate my studio space?

Any alterations to the studio including shelving, attaching items to the wall, furniture in shared spaces, IT / cabling / telecoms etc. must be approved in advance by Somerset House Studios. It is possible to attach items to the wall bearing in mind that any costs for damage to the wall or paintwork must be covered by the artist at the end of the residency to make good the space. In shared studios, please note that wall space is also shared.

What’s the story with Internet?

Internet is included in the rent, based on fair usage. Wi-Fi is available, for a more stable connection and for faster speeds we recommend that residents plug directly into the internet ports available using an ethernet cable (please note you may require an adapter for this depending on your computer or device).

Are the studio spaces accessible?

Most vault spaces are not wheelchair accessible but all other studios are accessible by lift. More detailed access information is included in specific studio specifications and we invite artists to share access requirements to establish if we need to make any reasonable adjustments which we try to acommodate where possible. Somerset House recognises that not all disabilities are visible, where an artist shares access requirements a member of the Studios team follows up to discuss in more detail.

Is it possible to have a second studio elsewhere?

Space at Somerset House Studios is offered on the understanding that it will be the artist's main space of work. We don't offer studios as a second space because of the high demand and level of subsidy applied. If the artist undertakes an additional space elsewhere, the residency period may be reviewed.

Are the studios sound proofed?

There is some sound reduction measures in place in some studios but studios are not sound proofed. We welcome applications from artists who work with sound or music but it is not possible to work with amplified sound or very loud noise in our spaces at present. At this point, we do not have rehearsal spaces suitable for amplified sound. We do have a small bookable recording studio with a vocal booth.

Can I bring visitors into Somerset House Studios?

Yes, you are welcome to invite visitors to your studio space. Meetings in shared studios are not permitted as they are likely to cause disruption to other artists, but it is possible to use communal spaces or bookable project spaces for this purpose. Please note that artists are not entitled to invite guests to use the services at Somerset House Studios except where agreed with the Studios team in advance.

Are the spaces suitable for children?

Unfortunately we cannot accommodate children at this time as our spaces are not suitable. All Somerset House Studios artists must be over 18 years of age.

Is there security at Somerset House Studios?

Yes, the site is patrolled 24 hours by a security team that are all first aid trained.

Who has access to my studio space?

You and other artists sharing the space in a shared studio scenario, Somerset House Studios and Somerset House Trust (or any other agent, employee or subcontractor). Reasonable advance notice of required access by Somerset House will be given wherever possible. Please note that Somerset House Trust have no liability for any property or personal possessions in your studio.

Can I use Somerset House Studios as the registered office of a company or partnership?

No, this is not permitted.

Can I store my bike in my studio?

No, but secure bicycle parking is available for resident artists.

Can I bring in my pets?

Pets are not permitted in shared studios but may be permitted in solo spaces, subject to prior approval by Somerset House Studios.

Will the studios be cleaned?

Somerset House Studios will have all studio spaces cleaned and general waste collected, but artists are responsible for leaving all communal spaces clean and tidy.

Can I undertake hot works in the studio spaces?

As Somerset House is a Grade I listed building the Studios are not suitable for an artist who requires hot works on a regular basis. For very infrequent use, hot works may be possible and this is assessed on a case by case basis in close consultation with Somerset House Studios.

SOMERSET HOUSE STUDIOS COMMUNITY

What do I have to commit to in terms of the Somerset House Studios community?

Space at Somerset House Studios is subsidised by Somerset House Trust to keep the price low. We do this on the understanding that all resident artists will contribute to the Somerset House Trust charitable aims through the community programme, public programme, artist development programme or Inclusive Talent Engagement programme and be open to connecting to the community of artists in this environment. There is a wide variety of ways in which artists can contribute, and we aim to work with the artist’s area of interest in identifying together what might be most suitable. Some examples might be sharing skills or organising events for the artist community, hosting talks or salons in the public programme or working with our Inclusive Talent Enagement team on projects for and with young people. Each contribution is unique to the artist, and we ask you to outline potential areas of interest within your application form.

What are the Somerset House Trust charitable aims?

To establish a unique artistic purpose that will ensure we stand out as a different kind of cultural centre, turning us from a receiving venue into an important arts producer
To create a physical home for wide-ranging collaborative experimental work that is not defined by genre
To enhance the education opportunities for the general public by provision of a centre of arts and culture
To maintain the buildings for the benefit of the local and international community as an outstanding example of English national heritage
To develop an innovative learning and participation programme

If I become a resident artist, am I entitled to have work in the Somerset House Studios public programme?

All programmes at Somerset House Studios are curated and having your work presented to the public should not be your main motivation to being a resident, and this is not a guarantee for all artists in the community. The Studios team welcome proposals for both finished and unfinished projects for possible presentation within our programmes, but Somerset House is not obliged to present or commission works by resident artists, budget and resources are limited.

What contact will I have with the Somerset House Studios team?

All artists commit to an induction on their first day at Somerset House Studios to become familiar with the building, and then an entrance meeting which takes place within one month of each move-in date. At each entrance meeting, goals are set against each artists specific aims and objectives with measurable targets over the period of the residency. These goals will be reviewed over the duration of the residency and all artists participate in an exit meeting at the end of their residency as part of our ongoing evaluation. More informal contact with the Somerset House Studios team will be on a regular ongoing basis, with an open door policy in the Studios office and a regular programme of community and artist development activity.

Outside of the artists, who else is based at Somerset House?

As the home of cultural innovators, outside of the artist community at Somerset House Studios, over 120 arts organizations and creative enterprises are based at Somerset House, with a further 300+ members of Makerveristy, 400+ members of The Exchange co-working Space and 50 members of the Black Business Residency Programme, all based across the site.