As part of the BCN Residency Programme 2023/24, Shannel James, artist in residence during March 2024 was interviewed by Project Co-ordinator Rene Francis-McBrearty. Read the interview in full below.


Rene: What are you up to for your BCN residency?


Shannel: “Honestly, I plan to have fun first and foremost! The last few months have been full on, so I’m looking forward to getting into my creative zone and experimenting with no pressure or limitations. I have something in mind that I want to create, however, I plan to unleash the side of me that simply free flows, when in the moment! “


Rene: What got you into making art?


Shannel: “I would say, I didn’t get into art, I was born on the artistic spectrum!”


Rene: Who or what is inspiring you right now (other artists, people, music, food, a book, land, nature… anything!)?


Shannel: “My late Grandfather who was born in Jamaica was a poet, and I always admired the passion he poured into his craft. Outside of this amazing man, I would have to say I am absolutely inspired by the continent of Africa right now, and you will see this in the current collection I’m working on. I have been travelling to a number of countries there, such as Gambia, Tanzania, Zanzibar and most recently Mauritius. I have been blown away by the distinct beauty this place has to offer and its vibrant diverse culture, which I plan to feed into this body of work during my BCN residency.”


This interview took place on 3 March, 2024.

Shannel James in the BCN Residency Studio, 2024 © Multistory

I’m looking forward to getting into my creative zone and experimenting with no pressure or limitations.”



Shannel James

The BCN Residency Programme is a funded artist residency held in partnership between Multistory and The Wolverhampton School of Art. The programme provides Sandwell and Black Country artists with focused time and support for; development, research, testing out ideas, making new work and sharing it with audiences. It provides artists with structured support from the Multistory team, 1-to-1 mentoring with Multistory’s Arts Council England’s Relationship Manager, focused time and financial resources to reflect on and develop their practices. The Wolverhampton School of Art provide studio and an exhibition space for the end of programme group show.

Residencies will take place in October and November 2023, and January, February and March 2024, culminating in a day of presentations and the launch of a group exhibition at The Wolverhampton School of Art on 11 April 2024.