Only days remaining for entries into Commonwealth arts residency programme

Artists wishing to broaden their horizon have only till 8 March to enter the Commonwealth Foundation’s 2009 Commonwealth Connections arts residency programme for visual artists. Commonwealth Connections will provide six visual artists who are citizens of a Commonwealth country with a grant of up to £8,000 to travel and study in another Commonwealth country.

Formerly known as the Commonwealth Arts and Crafts Awards, the Foundation’s residency programme for visual arts has changed to bring the benefits of its successful model to an increasing number of practitioners. Performance art and photography are included as eligible categories for the first time; there is no longer an age limit; and this year sees the first step in the evolution of the awards into a rolling, annual scheme of residencies for which artists can apply at any time. In addition, the scheme will expand and extend to disciplines outside the visual arts.

The Foundation’s residency programme is distinctive among the many international arts residency schemes in that it puts the artist at the centre of the programme, which is open and flexible and based on individual artists’ needs. Former winners have cited this as a real advantage of the Commonwealth programme. “The format of the residency provides immense possibilities of expanding one’s horizons, one’s practice and other possibilities in artistic expression,” said Akuzuru, 2007 award winner from Trinidad and Tobago, whose residency took place in India.

Another 2007 winner, ceramicist Sadia Salim from Pakistan, encourages other artists to enter the awards to expand their work. “It is important for the growth of artists to dedicate time to their work in an environment free from daily routine of life,” she said. “Travel and new places can bring about interesting dimension to one’s work. Meeting new people and artists can be rewarding and creates a better understanding of new cultures, society and art. The hosts also benefit from the visiting artist and their work.” Ms Salim’s residency took place in South Africa.

The Foundation’s arts and crafts residencies have a long tradition of artists working within different cultures and passing on techniques and knowledge of their own, as well as imbibing new ideas and skills. The residencies seek to create an environment that supports creativity and individual cultural expression, as well as increasing mutual understanding between peoples through artistic exchange.

Dr Mark Collins, Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, said: “The launch of this scheme comes against a backdrop in which the Commonwealth is giving more attention to one of the great questions of our time: how can people and communities which have different identities live together, respect and understand each other and thereby prevent conflict?

“Schemes such as this, which bring together artists and communities from different backgrounds and offer insights into other lives, are a great way of increasing respect and understanding. At the same time, with their strong emphasis on community activities and outreach, the residencies support one of the Foundation’s key aims, to integrate culture into development.”

Applications are judged online by an international panel of artists, including former winners, and experts in the different art forms and regions of the Commonwealth.

For further details and to apply online, visit: www.commonwealthfoundation.com/artsresidencies. The deadline for applications is 8 March 2009.

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