GroundWork residencies are all about how artists are transforming responses to the environment into visible outcomes. Visitors to the exhibitions have always been inspired and energised by the results. There is a real opportunity to be part of a powerful movement for connecting art to the environment, leading to greater impact and activism.

The Fluid Earth GroundWork Residency runs overall from 4 August - 10 September. During this time, each selected artist is required to join in with a research week from 4-9 August, sharing experience to explore the local area in depth alongside local experts. This is followed by a choice of venue for the production phase for 10 days, during which we also all come together for meals and discussions at various points during the summer. This is followed by the Fluid Earth exhibition from 4 October to 13 December, for which each resident artist will be considered.

The underpinning / overarching concept for the residency is about extraction and extractivism: the removal of resources from the earth, whether natural or otherwise.
While extractivism remains an important part of our underpinning focus for 2025, we find that there has been a growing interest in diverse human and broadly natural factors which we need to take into account if we are to consider the future of the planet in terms of justice, equality, equity, for people and for nature.Indeed, we cannot consider the future of issues like nature recovery without considering how humans are both part of the problem and part of the solution. But also, that both the problems and solutions involve immense complexity and diversity and need to be approached creatively with that in mind.
Because of the particular geography and ecology of Norfolk, we have been absorbed so far by examining the local landscape and its resources for extraction. We are beginning now to look in more detail at waterways, specifically the rich but endangered chalk rivers of Norfolk, and at the coast-line and its fragile ecology. But our theme this year need not be restricted to landscapes - any approach to the concept of fluid earth will be considered.

Application process

Deadline Sunday 6 April 2025

Complete the residency application on the google form accessible on the website: https://www.groundworkgallery.com/groundwork_projects/the-groundwork-residency-2025/

Provide 4 supporting images in a separate pdf, clearly indicating your name and what the images refer to

Return the pdf with images, heading 'Residency Application' to - mail@groundworkgallery.com

Only use the form and keep within word limits, no other attachments will be considered

On-line interviews for shortlisted candidates will be carried out on 14th, 15th, 16th April

All applicants must fill in the form and submit on-line. Four Images clearly identified on PDF to mail@groundworkgallery.com


GENERAL NOTES

For all chosen artists the residency includes a research week based in King’s Lynn, followed by 10 days production residency based at 1 of the 3 participating sites. The emphasis of this second phase will differ, depending on location.

Application for residency is also open to Associate artists based in East Anglia, not needing accommodation. In all other respects, Associates will be part of the cohort for the residency, joining in with our excursions, events and discussions.

Locations

·         There are 3 residency locations: The GroundWork Gallery, King’s Lynn; The Grange Projects, Great Cressingham and Broomhill, Reepham.

Further information on each site is below and in the guidance selected artists will receive. Facilities vary at each site. Both The Grange and Broomhill are rural with plenty of land. The Grange Projects has studio facilities and expect that artists will engage there in full studio practice. Broomhill has studio space at the edge of a SSSi wetland, and basic facilities for making. GroundWork is in town, accessible for public transport, on the edge of the Wash and a live-work space, where it is best to concentrate on small-scale work, film, research.

·         As part of our assessment, we reserve the right to make the final decision about location, but we will try to accommodate your wishes if you have a strong preference.
·         Benefits include a rich programme of field and research trips, advice and help with making further contacts, shared local transport, peer review among a residency community.

·         All participating artists will be considered for the group exhibition ‘Fluid Earth’ at GroundWork Gallery from October to December 2025.