One of the ways we engage the public with our exhibitions is to make opportunities for them to see and meet artists at work.
In our Art Room gallery, we run a programme of artists in residence, with an artist making work within the gallery.
Each artist has a two week residency and the opportunity is open to all LSA members.
Having a resident artist brings an extra dimension to the gallery, but what does it offer for the artist?
We expect the artist to be in the gallery at least three days each week, working on their art and being part of the team welcoming visitors to the Art Room. If you sell work through the gallery during the residency, we take 10% commission.
We will support you with advice if you need it and help to plan your set up, so you make the most of your time in the gallery.
It’s a two-week opportunity for LSA members to work in The Art Room gallery, create art in public, and engage with visitors. As the resident artist, you’ll have dedicated display space, time to make new work, and the chance to meet customers, collectors, and fellow members.
A dedicated space to display work (walls and shelves provided).
An opportunity to meet customers, collectors, and potential buyers.
A working space to create new art.
An “artist spotlight” on the LSA website plus social media coverage.
Support and advice to help plan your setup and get the most from the residency.
Be present in the gallery at least three days per week, working, talking about your art, and helping welcome visitors. (You may split this into half-day sessions.)
Agree to a 10% commission on all work sold through the gallery during your residency.
Use your allocated space responsibly while allowing other exhibitions to be displayed at their best.
Visit the Art Room in advance to familiarise yourself with the designated AIR space (the black wall on the left of the gallery) and plan your display/work area.
Read the Volunteer Guidelines (sent to you, also available on the website and in the yellow folder under the Art Room counter). Remember: while you are an AIR, you are also part of the volunteer team welcoming visitors.
Pay the £40 fee and note the 20% commission on sales.
Take responsibility for insuring your own work (the Art Room only covers Public Liability).
Use the LSA labels provided for your displayed work.
Commit to being present in the gallery for at least 6 days over the two-week period (half days allowed) and record your sessions on the Art Room Volunteer Rota.
Reach out with any questions to:
Jacqui Smithson – jacqui.a.smithson@gmail.com
Jacky Buckingham – jackybuckingham18@gmail.com
The space available to the AIR is one wall (painted black) measuring 3metres across by 2.4m height, delineated with open shelving units which you can use if you wish. There is some flexibility about how you use the space both to display and work. It would be appreciated that you organise within this zone, allowing the rest of the gallery to display the exhibitions to their maximum. The hanging system means you can flexibly hang pictures anywhere on the wall, with cord and D-rings as normal in the gallery.
There is a desk, chair, and some other smaller items of furniture may be available such as a shelf for the wall, small plinth, and a narrow bench (some of these may be kept in the studios next door when not used). This is best explored on a visit to the gallery to familiarise yourself with the space and equipment beforehand.
In autumn, we issue an open call for all LSA members interested in being considered for the following year. Announcements are made through our newsletters and on our website.
Contact you in advance with all the details you’ll need.
Support you with planning and set up.
Produce a bio for display and provide blank LSA labels for your work.
Publicise your residency on social media.
Look out for the annual open call in the autumn. Application details will be in the member newsletter and below on this page.
if you have any questions please contact:
Jacqui Smithson: jacqui.a.smithson@gmail.com
Jacky Buckingham: jackybuckingham18@gmail.com
