‘Time for Practice’ Artist Development Bursary

The Collection and Usher Gallery’s ‘Time for Practice’ Artist Development Bursary is a response to the on-going difficulties for contemporary artists in the region caused by Covid-19.

We have adapted our usual way of supporting Lincolnshire-based artists through a series of new funded Artist Development opportunities designed to support you in working from home, from the studio and around the region during this uncertain time. We hope this will help those who need a little extra support from the sector, those who are looking for an element of structure that we can provide, or those who require a helping hand to follow their chosen paths and interests.

* This Bursary is called ‘Time for Practice’ with a dual aim of offering support for both those that can use this time to develop and produce new ideas or work, as well as for those that may need a moment for practice and reflection.

What does the bursary provide?
– 4 x bursaries of £500 for individuals or collectives
– Bespoke support (virtual unless otherwise agreed) from curatorial staff, agreed at the beginning of the project (maximum 2 x virtual meetings with staff per week)
– Resulting work could be ‘made public’, for example via The Collection and Usher Gallery’s social media or website, to be negotiated on a case by case basis and with support from technical and curatorial teams.
– Public summary discussion via online platform at end of project

Are there any limitations on how the funds might be used?
– Students are eligible to apply. However, bursary funds cannot be used towards payment for study
– Funds can be used towards materials, equipment and hire costs, but not towards capital expenditure of space
– We cannot support applications that are solely performing arts or writing focused (including music, dance and theatre), but applications which incorporate these media in a contemporary art context will be considered.

Who is this bursary for?
This opportunity is open to all artists working across all disciplines in Lincolnshire and is importantly not dependent on experience.
We are looking for applications from artists across all disciplines, based in Lincolnshire. We wish to support artists/collectives who would benefit from the time, resources and profile we can provide. The application form can be found below.

How will this application be assessed?
Applications will be assessed by quality of application and the viability of the institution (The Collection and Usher Gallery) being able to support the artist’s development.
The application will be assessed by a team representing The Collection and Usher Gallery and representatives of CVANEM.
All non-successful applicants will be invited to attend a CPD event at the culmination of the project.

Eligibility for receiving this bursary:
– You must be an artist/collective working or living in Lincolnshire
– You must be working within the first 10 years of your practice (acknowledging that this time period of practice may not be continuous, e.g. affected by breaks and changes)
– You must be able to support application with a portfolio of previous work
– We will select artists who we believe will benefit fully from this opportunity

Please note:
We are fully committed to the Council’s Equality Policy and will proactively offer opportunities to people from different backgrounds as a contribution to developing and maintaining an organisation where differing ideas, abilities, backgrounds and needs are fostered and valued and where those with diverse backgrounds and experiences are able to participate and contribute.
Further, candidates who face cultural, social, physical or economic barriers to applying for opportunities in the arts are particularly encouraged to apply. Our selection panel understand our commitment to equality and diversity.

Successful applicants will be required to:
– Produce a statement at the beginning of the process explaining how you believe the bursary will make a difference to you and your practice
– Produce a statement at the end of the process which explains the impact of the bursary on your development
– Maintain a commitment to finding a collaborative way to use your work or practice to engage with and respond to The Collection and Usher Gallery’s online audience (e.g. studio tours, takeovers, Q+As)

Timeline:
Deadline – Monday 6th July, 5pm
Project begins – July
End of project – End of September