A RESIDENCY OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS, ARTS ORGANISATIONS & SMALL CREATIVE BUSINESSES

About the Open Call

SEESAW presents CUSP, a free 6-month long residency programme launching January 2026. We are connecting a group of artists, or offering to host an arts collective or small arts organisation, to partner with us from one of our studio spaces. The project is being established as a way of connecting with artists within our community. We are committed to supporting artists, particularly in the limbo stage between emerging and professional, who would benefit from having a space where they can expand upon their existing practice, and would value the resources we can offer to help further their experience and creative network. This residency will be a collaboration between both parties - we provide a space for your practice or business and you help us through creative opportunities within SEESAW to help us improve our community, building and spaces. This should be a mutual partnership, where we can both benefit from working together. This opportunity is FREE; there will be no fees or charges to apply or during. OPEN CALL SEESAW is looking for 3 individual artists, or arts collective, or small arts organisation, to partner with us in return for 6 months free studio space within the building. The residency will run from 5th January 2026 until 5th July 2026. For queries about the programme, contact us at hello@seesawspace.com.

What is Offered

6 month free space to use as your own studio; Access to all SEESAW member’s perks; Support and collaborative working with SEESAW’s Community and Events Team; End of residency exhibition in SEESAW’s basement event space; A contribution to material costs (within reason) for works made for SEESAW at the discretion of SEESAW.

Requirements

Artists, collectives or organisations working across any medium, including but not limited to: filmmakers, digital artists, sculptors, research-based practitioners, photographers, painters, producers, textile makers, community engagement coordinators, CIC’s, arts charities, designers, illustrators, poets, and writers. Experienced artists who are comfortable in their practice and looking to develop their skillset further within a professional setting. People who are open to a collaborative partnership with us, whether that is creating artwork to display permanently within the building, or helping us shape the way we work with regards to community engagement. An active member of the building, individuals willing to integrate with the wider SEESAW Community. Manchester based artists, or living a commutable distance from SEESAW. This residency does not provide accommodation.

How to Apply

To apply, fill out the application form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWcLBm5Wfl3lRbXh7SmDaIjRBmwInGpaZR5mhY9yH2q4e2bA/viewform. Deadline for submissions is 10th November 2025.