BCN Residency Programme

Held in partnership between Multistory and The Wolverhampton School of Art and initiated as part of Multistory’s BCN artist development programme, the residencies provide funding, time, a studio and critical support for five emerging Sandwell and Black Country artists each year. The programme aims to provide a space for experimentation and testing out new ideas and ways of making, and is supported through mentoring with Multistory and monthly group crits. The Wolverhampton School of Art provide studio and an exhibition space for the end of programme group exhibition, which shares research and work in progress produced throughout the year.

The residencies provides an important dialogue between the professional art scene and the art school, providing the artists in residence with access to the wonderful resources available in the building, and students with the opportunity to learn from those making their way as artists in the world. Collaborative programmes such as this highlight art education’s role in shaping creative and critical communities, and the importance of continuing to defend it from further cuts and the utilitarianism that drives them.

Scroll down to view previous residency projects.

2023-24

Sarah Byrne, Dale Hipkiss, Shannel James, Quennie Lim and Zara Masood.

2022-23

Alex Billingham, Japhet Dinganga, Marley Starskey Butler, Polly Brant and Hannah Rollason.

Salting the Wound, Alex Billingham. BCN Residency Programme Exhibition 2023 © Multistory

“This programme offered such a valuable period of protected time and space to explore ideas and practice. The residency formed very healing time for me; a meaningful, gentle, and reflective opportunity which has introduced me to many great people who I hope to keep in touch with and work with in other capacities. While there was no pressure to show ‘finished’ work as part of the exhibition, the opportunity allowed me to think ambitiously and challenge myself to consider the presentation of work which has existed only in a studio for a long time. As well as this, having the time and encouragement to explore meant there was room for me to try new things in an experimental and impulsive way. This led to my first attempt at filmmaking, which was validated by becoming a part of the final exhibition and has made me want to consider how to pursue this and my writing further. Thank you for such a meaningful opportunity! So sad that it’s come to an end!” – Sarah Byrne

“Within the residency I was able to focus on and develop new ideas for my research around Art Education, the residency being at the School of Art was perfect for this and I had a great opportunity to work with some of the students within a workshop. The support offered through the BCN bursary and residency has really given me a chance explore my practice in a focused way, this was especially useful as I had only finished my Masters a year before. It was a supportive transition into understanding my practice outside of university course structures, but still have guidance and support.” – Polly Brant