The Level Residency Lab

In 2021, we launched our Level Residency Lab, a research and development opportunity for UK-based professional artists who either identify as Disabled or who are interested in exploring access as part of their work.

The scheme has been a huge success, and so far we’ve supported 24 artists including Henry Driver, Billy Read, Separate Doors, Young Amici and Gobscure. More information about our Residency Lab alumni is available here. What the Residency Lab artists all have in common is that they have ambitious ideas that strengthen our mission to ‘Celebrate the Art that Difference Makes’.

**Applications are currently closed**

This page will give you more information about LEVEL and how to apply to become one of our residency artists.

Introduction

Residencies take place at Level Centre in Rowsley, surrounded by the rolling hills of Derbyshire. Our purpose-built centre has a large studio, art block, kitchen and meeting space, each flooded with natural light. We may be in a rural location, but the village packs quite a punch for its size with a pub, craft centre, hotel, post office, galleries and a shopping outlet.

Residencies are just the start of our journey with many artists. We value the LEVEL family and look to develop ongoing working relationships with our Residency Alumni.

Current residency artists

Residency Lab Alumni

About the Residency Lab

Residencies are planned to take place between April 2023 and March 2024, with selected artists offered a one to two week residency depending on the project.

We’re currently working with the University of Derby on a research project that explores the experience, practice and professional development of artists who are co-producing work for, by and with the disabled community. We ask if you would like to take part in this research on the application form, but this is optional and does not affect your application.

If you would like to test your ideas with participants we may be able to arrange a workshop with a SEND school, day centre or community group during your residency. This is not an essential criteria for being shortlisted, but please let us know on your application if this is something you’d like to explore.

The residency includes space at Level to experiment and test ideas and a financial contribution of between £500 and £2000.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for bold, ambitious ideas that support our mission to Celebrate the Art that Difference Makes. This time is for you. We have no preconceived ideas about what you need to work on and your project doesn’t have to have an outcome unless you want it to. We simply want to be challenged by new ideas and give artists space and time to think and create.

Who can apply?

We’re looking for applications from Visual, Performing or Digital artists or companies based in the UK who either identify as disabled or whose work is suitable for learning disabled adults and the wider community.

By using the term ‘disabled person’ we include anyone who identifies as being learning disabled, disabled, D/deaf, neurodivergent and those experiencing chronic illness, mental health conditions and more. We understand that different people prefer different terminology. You don’t have to prefer the term ‘disabled person’ to apply, we want to hear from the full diversity of disabled artists working across the UK.

How to apply

To apply for Level’s Residency Lab:

Complete the contact form
Complete the equal opportunities monitoring form (optional)
Upload your CV
Upload your project proposal, telling us about the idea you want to explore (see guidance below)
Upload any additional supporting material (optional)

In your project proposal, please tell us:

What is your idea? Clearly explain your project idea for the residency. Remember that as an accessible organisation we like to use Plain English to communicate clearly.

Why do you want to apply? Why do you want to work with LEVEL? Explain how your practice and project relates to LEVEL’s organisational aims

What do you hope to learn or achieve? We like ambition, so don’t be afraid to explore ambitious ideas.

We’re happy to accept applications in the following formats:

Written submission – no more than two sides of A4/500 words for learning disabled adults
Video submission – no longer than three minutes
Audio submission – no longer than three minutes

We want to make sure that our opportunities are accessible for everyone. If you have any questions, or need support to complete your application, please get in touch.

Email: info@levelcentre.com

Call: 01629 734848

The deadline for applications is: TBC:

Complete the equal opportunities monitoring

Apply Here