Application deadline: Monday, October 31, 2016, 5pm
Open School East
Resort Studios 50 Athelstan Rd
Margate CT9 2BH
United Kingdom
We are seeking applications from emerging artists to join Open School East (OSE), an independent, self-directed and outward-facing study programme. After three years in East London, OSE is relocating to the South East of England, in the vibrant coastal town of Margate, 90 min by train from London. We will be based on the ground floor of Resort Studios, a dynamic organisation and collective established in Margate since 2013.
About Open School East
Open School East was founded in response to spiralling tuition fees and student debt, and the decrease in both studio provision and civic spaces in the capital. It was instituted as an informal space for collaborative learning, with the view to support the artistic and professional development of emerging artists and to foster cultural, intellectual and social exchanges between artists and the broader public.
OSE runs two mutually reinforcing components:
–A free, studio-based study programme open by application
–A multifaceted programme of events, activities and projects open to and devised by all
Study programme overview
Open School East is an innovative model of an artists’ study programme that engages with its surroundings and with varied communities—artistic, local and otherwise. Free to attend and non-accredited, the study programme runs across eleven months and is principally self-directed, creating platforms for the associate artists to develop their practice.
We provide a unique environment for artist-led learning through:
–Shared studio provision
–Weekly tuition and mentorship from internationally renowned artists, curators and theorists
–Support in the production of artistic projects
How does the study programme function?
The associates come together two days a week to receive tuition, meet their mentors, work and collaborate on projects, and plan public activities. Tuition is delivered through a combination of tutorials, group crits, presentations, workshops, seminars and excursions, a number of which are open to the public.
While at OSE, the associates share their practice with varied publics via open studios and events taking place at different times throughout the year.
The study programme is structured around three terms. In 2017, we have invited artist Matthew Darbyshire to conceive the curriculum for Term 1. Comprising a series of workshops run by the most diverse, exciting and innovative practitioners within their various fields, the curriculum diffuses the specialisms of process, performance, conceptual, installation, critical, community and public art. The programme aims to untangle the complex physical and political relationships underlying each of the associates’ interests and activities, paying particular attention to location, identity, environment, economy, technology and materiality. Guests include: Yemi Awosile, Pablo Bronstein, Sam Causer, Marvin Gaye Chetwynd, Nicolas Deshayes, Chris Jones, Scott King, Anna Minton and Eddie Peake.
In Term 2 and 3, the associates devise and administer their own curriculum in consultation with the OSE team. They self-direct their learning around their practice and shared interests, programme public events and develop projects, realising and presenting their work as part of a final collective event. Participation in two public projects by Benedict Drew and Sally O’Reilly is also part of the associates’ learning.
In lieu of paying fees, each associate gives the equivalent of one day every month to devise, run or assist with public events and activities.
The mentors
Each year, we invite six mentors to provide one-to-one support in the development of the associates’ practice and projects, as well as to lead theoretical and practical group sessions. The mentors come in at regular intervals, between once and twice a term. The mentors for 2017 are: Lucy Beech, Matthew Darbyshire, Tom Morton, Sally O’Reilly, Trish Scott and Maki Suzuki.
How to apply
To find out more about OSE, the study programme, the relocation to Margate, application requirements, the selection process and open days, please visit: www.openschooleast.org.
