25 x 25 Art Gene’s 25th Anniversary Residency #2 : Spaces and Structures at Art Gene

About the Open Call

In 2027, Art Gene celebrates 25 years of artist-led, environmentally-aware placemaking, research, artist residences, exhibitions, and socially engaged art projects. Founded in 2002 by artists Stuart Bastik and Maddi Nicholson, Art Gene has made a distinctive impact by hosting local and international residencies, curating exhibitions, and nurturing collaborations, often focusing on local issues and biodiversity in Barrow-in-Furness. This second 25-day residency invites artists or collectives to design and develop a concept or reimagined work that responds to Art Gene’s physical spaces within the Nan Tait Centre. Proposals should explore innovative, critical or imaginative ways to use or activate Art Gene’s indoor spaces, for example, by approaching new ways to host artist residencies, workshops, or engage the wider community. This could be in the form of a structure such as an eco-pod, a project or intervention that sits within or outside of the building. The resident(s) will work closely with Maddi Nicholson and the Art Gene team to develop their concept, engaging with previous Art Gene structures like Low Carbon Barrow, Bug Out, The Braithwaite Hide and Tinbergen Hide, and The Roker Pods. The Nan Tait Centre, a Grade II listed building, is home to Art Gene's two galleries, multiple studios, workshops, and a production area. Prospective artists are expected to propose and design a new concept or intervention focusing on the Nan Tait Centre, addressing contemporary sustainability challenges, and delivering meaningful public engagement (minimum 5 sessions). Work produced can be exhibited as part of Art Gene’s 2027 25x25 exhibition. The residency duration is 25 days between October 2025 and February 2026, with a minimum of 10 working days based in Barrow.

What is Offered

The total budget for the residency is £10,500, which includes an artist fee of £7,500 (25 days at £320 per day), up to £1,500 for travel and accommodation (reimbursed on production of receipts), and £1,500 for materials. Artists will have free use of the company e-bike when based in Barrow, access to a list of local self-catering accommodation, and 24-hour use of Art Gene’s studios, fabrication workshop, extensive range of workshop tools, and offices. The residency offers the opportunity to produce work for Art Gene’s 2027 25x25 exhibition, with exhibition details to be determined during the residency. The residency will be shared online, with a dedicated artist’s page on Art Gene’s website, and promoted through Art Gene’s newsletter and social media.

Requirements

Applicants are required to be artists or collectives. They must propose and design a new concept or intervention that focuses on the Nan Tait Centre, whilst also addressing contemporary sustainability challenges. Residents must deliver meaningful public engagement through workshops and/or participatory events/proposed outcomes, with a minimum of 5 public engagement sessions. They must produce work that can be exhibited as part of Art Gene’s 2027 25x25 exhibition, to be determined during the residency. Applicants are expected to contribute to Art Gene’s ongoing mission of socially engaged, place-based practice. A minimum of 10 working days based in Barrow is required (to be agreed with the selected artist).

How to Apply

To apply, please send: CV; Expression of interest and proposal (up to 2 pages of A4) detailing how you would approach the residency and engage with the community, including evidence of having explored Art Gene's website and ideas on responding to existing work(s); 10 images of your work; Your access rider (optional). Also, complete the Art Gene Equalities Survey. Applications via email to rachael.barker@art-gene.co.uk by 10am on Wednesday 1st October, 2025. Shortlisted artists will be notified the following week and invited for an online interview.