Artist-in-Residence: Call for Applications (2026 / 27)

Artist-in-Residence Durham Sixth Form Centre & Dead Dog Gallery Durham Sixth Form Centre is excited to invite applications for two Artist-in-Residence (AiR) positions within our dynamic and thriving art department. These flexible, bespoke residencies (lasting 3-6 months) are open to artists from a wide range of disciplines and at various stages of their careers. Our AiR programme supports creative practitioners in developing their own work while engaging with students and our broader community. The residency includes a public exhibition at The Dead Dog Gallery, access to professional networks, a range of art facilities, and structured opportunities for professional development and community engagement. About the Residency Based in the Visual Arts Centre at Durham Sixth Form Centre, the successful applicants will benefit from:

• Access to fully equipped facilities including a kiln, darkroom, printing presses, sewing machines, Adobe Creative Cloud suite, and more.
• The opportunity to engage with students aged 16-19 through workshops, tutorials, mentoring, and artist talks.
• A collaborative and inclusive environment where the arts are valued as a tool for social mobility, professional aspiration, and cultural contribution.
About Us Durham Sixth Form Centre is an Ofsted Outstanding provider and Artsmark Platinum school. We offer a wide range of Arts and Humanities subjects at A Level and Level 3, alongside a Level 4 Foundation in Art & Design. In 2023, we launched The Dead Dog Gallery, a contemporary art space in the heart of Durham City. It hosts a growing programme of exhibitions, residencies, and community classes and plays a central role in our mission to make visual arts accessible, dynamic, and professionally focused. "Your Artist-in-Residence programme is outstanding... [It] models career progression in the creative industries and reflects society's diversity." - Artsmark Platinum Report, Arts Council England Residency Aims
• To support artists in developing new work and progressing professionally.
• To provide a safe, accessible, and well-resourced space to make and share work.
• To give students direct access to practising artists, promoting the arts as a viable career path.
• To support a public exhibition or alternative outcome to showcase the residency.
• To contribute to the development of The Dead Dog Gallery as a leading contemporary visual arts space in the region.
• To strengthen partnerships and lead excellence in arts education and outreach.
Artist Engagement You will co-design a bespoke programme of activity with our Arts Development Officer, which may include:
• A self-directed project
• Tutorials with A Level and Foundation students
• Artist talks, workshops, and technical demonstrations
• Portfolio advice and student mentoring
• Community engagement through public sessions
Residency Timeline
• Call Out Released: 12th June 2026
• Application Deadline: Tuesday 30th June 2026 (Midnight)
• Interviews: Week of 6th July 2026 (online)
• Inductions & DBS Checks: Week of 13th July 2026
• Start Dates:
+ Artist 1 - September 2026 + Artist 2 - November 2026 Residency structure, length and outcome will be finalised during the initial contract meeting. How to Apply Please see attached documents and visit our website.

Durham Sixth Form Centre is an Ofsted Outstanding provider and Artsmark Platinum school. We offer a wide range of Arts and Humanities subjects at A Level and Level 3, alongside a Level 4 Foundation in Art & Design. In 2023, we launched The Dead Dog Gallery, a contemporary art space in the heart of Durham City. It hosts a growing programme of exhibitions, residencies, and community classes and plays a central role in our mission to make visual arts accessible, dynamic, and professionally focused. "Your Artist-in-Residence programme is outstanding... [It] models career progression in the creative industries and reflects society's diversity." - Artsmark Platinum Report, Arts Council England Residency Aims
• To support artists in developing new work and progressing professionally.
• To provide a safe, accessible, and well-resourced space to make and share work.
• To give students direct access to practising artists, promoting the arts as a viable career path.
• To support a public exhibition or alternative outcome to showcase the residency.
• To contribute to the development of The Dead Dog Gallery as a leading contemporary visual arts space in the region.
• To strengthen partnerships and lead excellence in arts education and outreach.