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Residencies

Common Clay & WCCD Residencies 2024-25




Common Clay has partnered with Working Class Creative Database to offer two one-year residencies to WCCD members based in East Sussex.

Common Clay is an artist-led ceramics studio in Bexhill-on-sea, set up to provide a shared, open and experimental making space for a community of artists working with clay, alongside a programme of workshops, classes, social events and exhibitions.

We are offering two artists from low socio-economic backgrounds a one-year residency at Common Clay. This residency aims to provide artists who have limited access to ceramic facilities the opportunity to experiment with clay and engage in dialogue with studio members, visiting artists, and curators to potentially activate new ideas in their work. The residency is open to artists looking to reconnect with the making process, be more playful and experimental in their practice, and who would benefit from joining a creative community. While some ceramics experience is required, artists from all backgrounds are welcome to apply.


The residency provides:
- access to the Common Clay studio one day per week for 6 months 

- technical guidance throughout plus one studio induction session and additional tuition if required

- studio visits and professional development with established artists and curators

- 1300sqft shared workspace

- regular kiln firings 1000-1240c

- use of equipment e.g wheels, slab roller, extruder, tools

- access to glazes, slips, oxides, stains etc

- all materials and firing costs

- exhibition/event opportunities

- opportunities to get involved in the community programme


Requirements:
- identify as an artist from a working class background

- be a WCCD member (you can become a member for free here) Feel free to apply for the residency before hearing back from WCCD

- some experience in ceramics

- able to commit to one day per week at the studio (Wednesday-Friday)

- East Sussex based and able to travel to Bexhill

Please be aware that we are a small Community Interest Company with very occasional public funding. Unfortunately we are unable to offer travel or childcare costs etc.


Visit the Studio - Saturday 20th April 12-2pm
We invite you to visit Common Clay where you can view the studio, ask questions, meet other artist members, and have an informal chat about the residency opportunity. Tea and coffee will be available.


About WCCD
The Working-Class Creatives Database CIC is a volunteer-led platform that highlights the work of working-class creatives in the UK. It was founded in 2020 to provide a platform for working-class creatives, to establish a strong community between working-class artists around the region, and to tackle classism within the arts by improving accessibility, engagement and opportunities.

You can find out more about WCCD here.

Deadline for applications - Friday 26th April 5pm


APPLY HERE  


Common Clay CIC
Unit 8b, Beeching Rd Studios, Bexhill-on-sea, East Sussex. TN39 3LJ
Instagram: @common.clay

In 2019 we ran a series of six week artist residencies. Three artists who do not usually work with ceramics, were invited use the studio once a week to experiment with clay, slow down, play and make with no set outcomes.

2019 Artist Residents:
Becky Beasley
Nancy Odufona
Jack Strange