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Residencies at LEVEL 2026
Welcome to Residencies at LEVEL, a research and development opportunity for UK-based professional artists, companies or collectives who either identify as Disabled or are interested in exploring access as part of their work.
Over the last 5 years we’ve supported over 40 artists through our successful and inclusive programme. What all our Residency artists have in common are their ambitious ideas that strengthen our mission: to celebrate the art that difference makes.
We’ve listened closely to how our artistic community works and have refreshed our Residency programme for 2026. We’re excited to offer two different pathways:
- Spark Residencies: An opportunity to kick start new work, develop thinking and have the space to create
- Evolve Residencies: For projects that already exist and are ready for further development
Residencies can be in person at LEVEL Centre, fully remote or a combination of the two – our programme is designed to be inclusive. Scroll down to learn more and find out how to apply.
Residencies at LEVEL are just the start of your artistic journey with us. As an Alumni you’ll become part of the LEVEL family, with ongoing opportunities and a working relationship that stretches beyond your residency.
Applications are now closed for 2026. Thank you for your interest.
About LEVEL
LEVEL Centre is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and charity that celebrates the art that ‘difference’ makes. We produce and promote high quality contemporary work that is powerful and relevant. We work with disabled, learning disabled, and neurodivergent people of all ages, alongside the wider community. LEVEL is based in Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District, surrounded by the rolling hills of Derbyshire. Our purpose-built accessible centre has a large studio, art block, kitchen and meeting space, each flooded with natural light.
Our values:
Welcoming / Creative / Inclusive / Brave space / Safe space to be yourself / Curious / Flexible / Supportive
Our ethos:
LEVEL is a special place. When you enter our building you become part of a safe, nurturing environment. We know this because people tell us, and we can feel it ourselves. Everyone is welcome at our centre.
Our staff are special. As a small team everyone who works at LEVEL is a team player with a can-do attitude. We work collaboratively and our roles often cross over. Staff are experienced in their fields. Everyone works towards making LEVEL the best it can be.
Our community is special. We meet and work with people from many different backgrounds. At LEVEL everyone is free to be themselves and valued equally. We get back as much as we give.
About Residencies at LEVEL 2026
Submission Deadline: Applications are now closed
Outcomes by: Friday 8 May 2026
Financial Contribution: £1,200 to £2,000
Residencies are planned to take place between June 2026 and March 2027. We will select a limited number of artists/companies/collectives to complete a residency up to 2 weeks long. These fall into two application pathways:
- Spark Residencies: An opportunity to kick start new work, develop thinking and have the space to create
- Evolve Residencies: For projects that already exist and are ready for further development
We’re looking for applications from:
- Disabled* artists/companies/collectives from any artistic background or discipline
- Artists/companies/collectives who are developing ideas with a core focus on access and inclusion
- Artists/companies/collectives who are developing ideas for disabled* audiences
*By using the term ‘disabled person/artist’ we aim to include those who identify as being disabled, learning disabled, people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, D/deaf, neurodivergent and/or autistic and those experiencing chronic illness, mental health conditions, and more. We understand that different people prefer different terminology. You do not have to prefer the term ‘disabled person/artist’ to apply.
Who can apply?
- UK based, established and emerging professional artists/companies/collectives
- We welcome applications from any artistic discipline
- We are happy to accept applications from artists and companies who have applied in the past
What are we looking for?
LEVEL is seeking bold, ambitious and cutting edge ideas to support our mission in celebrating the art that difference makes.
We want to be challenged by new ideas and support artists to access the resources and expertise they need to think and create. Your project doesn’t have to have an outcome unless you want it to. We want to develop ongoing opportunities and working relationships beyond your residency.
Choose your pathway
We offer two residency pathways:
Spark
- An opportunity to kick start new work, develop thinking and have the space to create
- Up to 1 week residency
- A financial contribution of £1200 for the residency
Evolve
- For projects that already exist and are ready for further development
- Up to 2 week residency
- A financial contribution of £2000 for the residency
All residencies include:
- Access to LEVEL’s in house resources
- An opportunity to meet the team including optional sharing of work
- Post residency discussion with LEVEL Centre staff to discuss any learnings and next steps
- Additional mentorship budget (optional), giving access to our approved bank of industry professionals
- Become LEVEL Alumni: Be kept up to date with our latest opportunities plus attend our annual inclusive collaboration day with past Alumni. This is an opportunity for sharing and connection (optional)
How to apply
Please complete the online application form and optional equal opportunities form at the bottom of this page.
The application form will capture your personal details, which residency pathway you are applying for and an opportunity to inform LEVEL of your access needs.
We acknowledge that applications take time. We would like this process to use as little of your time as possible. We therefore actively encourage you to use links and/or documents that you already have to help you get your ideas across. This could include links to websites, social media pages, existing funding bids, existing bios, CVs and/or artist statements.
You will need to upload the following:
- An introduction to your artistic practice
- Your residency project proposal
- If you wish, a maximum of 3 additional examples of your work
We’re happy to accept applications in the following formats:
- Written submission
- Video submission
- Audio submission
Timeline
Application deadline: Applications are now closed
Online interviews: 27 April – 1 May 2026
Outcomes by: Friday 8 May 2026
Residencies to take place: June 2026 – March 2027
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
Digs List
Local guest houses, hotels and airbnb accommodation for visiting residency artists to consider
Access For All
Find out more about our access at Level Centre including our access statement and sensory story.
Visit Us
Read more about visiting Level including public transport and what else is in the area
Address
LEVEL Arts Centre, Old Station Close, Rowsley, DE4 2EL
Call Us
01629 734848
Email Us
info@levelcentre.com