What is an artist residency?

Theatre Deli offers artist residencies, but ‘residency’ can mean different things to different organisations within the arts industry.

Normally a ‘residency’ means a period of time that an artist is supported by an arts organisation. Sometimes the period of time is several years, a year, a season of work, a specific project or just a week or two. Often support includes money, space to work and make art, and meetings with staff at the organisation to support the project and the artist’s skills or their career. Sometimes it means that artists, as well as making work, are part of discussions and decision-making within the organisation. Especially in the performing arts, residencies can be offered to companies as well as individual artists. Sometimes the selected artists will be called ‘artist in residence’, Resident Artists or Resident Companies. Sometimes accommodation is offered, but more often it means that the artist has a meaningful relationship with that organisation for that time, so it is like their artistic ‘home’. (Deli does not offer accommodation as part of its residencies.)

At Deli, we normally offer two-week residencies, which are focused around developing a specific project suggested by the residency artist in their application, and lead up to a sharing of the project with an invited audience. The allocated two weeks can be taken at any time during the specified year by the selected artists. The space offered is normally usable Monday-Friday, 10-6pm. Theatre Deli offers artist fees and mentorship as part of all its residencies. Details of what is currently offered can be found on our website.

Residencies: Frequently Asked Questions

I have more than one project, can I submit multiple applications?

Many artists work on multiple projects at once, however for our residency programme we ask artists to really consider which project would most benefit from our programmes and to only make one application.

Do I qualify for applying for the Enfield Residency?

Only applicants living in Enfield will qualify for the Enfield Residency. We will require you to provide your postcode in your application. 

I plan to take my project to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Can my application be eligible?

Yes. We have supported many projects which have later participated in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We want to support projects during their development to ensure they reach their full potential and continue to have a life after our support whether that be in England, the UK or abroad. 

I have applied or intend to apply for other funding to support my project. Does this impact my ability to apply?

We encourage artists to source additional funding to support the development of their piece. We can provide some support to selected artists with their funding applications. If you would like support please book one of our Virtual Deli Drop in Sessions. You can find out about them here.

Are Theatre Deli Residencies only open to London-based artists?

To be able to benefit fully from the residency opportunity, applicants should be resident in the UK, and within convenient travel distance of Central London, even if only temporarily. Artists are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.