MERZ invites applications from visual artists, writers, curators & architects for a two-month funded residency in 2019-2021 to live and work in Sanquhar, in rural Dumfriesshire, south-west Scotland.
MERZ is a new project located around a renovated former lemonade factory in the developing ‘cultural quarter’ of a former rural mining town.
The MERZ creative focus is based on ideas of Reconstruction and Fabrication in a post-industrial setting. MERZ draws as a metaphor on Kurt Schwitters’ assemblages and the conceptual and protagonistic approach of Analytical Art and the early Art & Language.
We seek proposals from creative individuals with an affinity towards our aims (more detailed information can be found in the ‘ABOUT’ section of our website www.merz.gallery) and who would benefit from a focussed period of time to practice in this rural/post-industrial setting.
Community engagement is important; we ask that each visiting artist contribute to public events (a talk/open-studio event/workshop), leaving a legacy that will engage local civic and arts communities.
A news-film or longer documentary will be made during work for circulation and/or broadcast on web-channels, social media and TV.
Facilities: The Bothy is a unique stone-building designed for visiting artists with full domestic facilities. The MERZ Gallery and nearby ZIPStudio are available for use as workspaces and as events/performance/exhibition spaces. All buildings are wheelchair accessible and equipped with WiFi. There are a variety of outdoor work/exhibition spaces. Films and presentations can take place at MERZ or the nearby, A’ the Airts.
A fee will be paid for each two-month residency based on SAU rates. A reasonable allowance will be available to each resident to cover materials for events and exhibition expenses. Selected artists will be responsible for arranging/financing their own travel to/from MERZ.
To Apply: Please send (in one PDF document):
Artist Statement (max 200 words)
Portfolio of works (up to a max of 6: images/text/web links if video/sound)
A proposal detailing your plans for the 2 month period (max 400 words)
Initial thoughts on public engagement/public works, e.g.
Indication of preferred 2 months
Shortlisted artists will be invited for a Skype/Facetime video call.
Supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
For further information, please contact merzgallery@icloud.com (Dr David Rushton), or call 07906692506.
The deadline is Saturday 20 April 2019 at 17:00.
Galloway Writers' Room 