Winter Residencies Programme 2025–2027

This is an open call for artists who are looking to develop, experience and be supported to progress bold new ideas at the intersection of art and technology exploring the theme of If These Walls Could Talk.

With four residencies available, each comes with a structured programme, work space at the Pervasive Media Studio, a network of peers, plus financial, technical and critical support. This is a rare opportunity for people who make artwork with technology, to have time, resources and freedom to get an idea off the ground.

• Track 1: Is a focussed track offering two residencies with a development period between Feb and March 2026. 

• Track 2: Is a flexible track offering two residencies with a longer development period between April 2026 and Feb 2027. 

When 

At least 11 flexible days between Feb to March 2026 (Track 1), or April 2026 to Feb 2027 (Track 2). 

Where 

The Pervasive Media Studio, however, we recognise that how we are able to work together can differ from person to person, so we’ve consciously designed a flexible programme to accommodate in-person and online working. 

Theme  

Our theme for our upcoming residencies is If These Walls Could Talk. We're looking for work that explores the stories embedded in the spaces we inhabit—the layers of presence that accumulate in our homes and the places we share. We want to ask questions like these: What secrets do our domestic spaces hold, and how do they shape the rhythms of our daily lives? How can we attune ourselves to the traces of all who have passed through and all who might yet come? And how might we create technologies that honour the idea of place itself—devices that listen to the subtle communications between inhabitants and their environments, that amplify the quiet conversations between past and future happening all around us? 

These are just some of the questions that we are asking, we hope you will bring your own. 

Eligibility 

This opportunity is open to people who make artwork with technology of any career stage, discipline or background. Applicants may be well versed in using technology, have experimented, or have some great ideas but need help with technical possibilities. Any approach is fine. 

You can apply as individuals or groups (we’re unable to offer additional fees for group applications). 

To be eligible you must meet the following criteria: 

• You reside in the UK 

• You are aged 18 or over 

• You are not an undergraduate student or student in full time education 

You have an idea that: 

• Is at an early stage of development 

• Responds to our theme of If These Walls Could Talk 

• Would benefit from being developed at the Pervasive Media Studio 

• Blends art and creative technology 
  (‘art’ means any artistic discipline; ‘creative technology’ means things like robotics, mobile, sensor-based, interactive screen, tangible and/or immersive technologies) 

Please note this programme does not support:  

• Film production, for support in this area please head over to BFI Film Hub or BFI Film Academy 

• Projection, unless it uses mapping or interactivity 

• Image or sound works, unless part of an idea for an immersive, location-based, tangible or interactive project. 

We offer 

• Time in residence at Watershed’s Pervasive Media Studio 

• A bursary of £2,750 (tax inclusive) plus £500 for materials 

• A travel bursary to support temporary relocation to Bristol 

• The opportunity to focus intensively on the development of an idea 

• Tailored support to help you get the most out of your time with us 

• A structured process featuring research blogs, regular catch ups, discussions and sharing events 

• A peer community of potential collaborators for current and future projects 

• We aim to be as inclusive as possible and work to accommodate all access requirements. We will openly discuss and tailor how we do things throughout, to support you as best we can. 

We ask for 

• Enthusiasm and ambition to grow and develop your practice. 

• An open, curious, experimental approach 

• Dedicated research time at the Pervasive Media Studio  

• Regular online documentation of progress and ideas  

• Participation in critiques, discussions and meetings 

• A willingness to contribute to the Pervasive Media Studio community and participate in conversations with peers 

• A sharing of ideas towards the end of the residency  

• Some reflection and feedback on your time with us 

The selection process 

We have a two stage selection process – a short Expression of Interest Form (Stage One), followed by a proposal and interview (Stage Two). We will use random selection to pick 20 Expressions of Interest to take forward to Stage Two. 

Watershed first used random selection in 2022. At that time we recorded a talk and published two articles to share thoughts and learning. In 2023 we wrote a more detailed guide. This is not compulsory reading/watching but if you are curious and want to know more, here are links for reference: 

• Talk: Random Selection as a Tool for Change 

• Article: Making our Residencies Differently

• Article: Reflections on Random Selection (This article includes an ‘Unpaid Labour Calculator’) 

• Guide: Random Selection: A How-to Guide 

How to apply 

Stage One 

If you are interested in applying, please complete an Expression of Interest Form and Anonymous Inclusion Survey below.

Expression of Interest Form

Anonymous Inclusion Survey

Stage Two 

We will randomly select 20 expressions of interest. If you are selected you will be invited to: 

• Attend a 30 minute application surgery.  

Online or in person at Pervasive Media Studio (travel bursaries available) 

• Submit a written or recorded proposal outlining your idea. 

We will provide guidance. 

• Attend an online interview. 

We will send interview questions in advance. 

We will provide a £200 stipend (inc. tax) to those who complete both application stages. 

If you have access requirements there will be opportunity to discuss this at the time. 

How are we supporting access needs? 

Pervasive Media Studio is wheelchair accessible, we have a quiet room and there is ongoing invitation and opportunity to discuss any specific access requirements, throughout your engagement with us.    

We have staff team members who are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, racially minoritised, disabled, and are from a range of different class backgrounds. Please get in touch if you have similar experiences and want to chat to one of us before making an application.   

If you would like to learn more about the space and community, visit the Pervasive Media Studio website or come along to one of our Open Studio Fridays. 

Overall Timeline 

• Wed 1 Oct - Expression of Interest Deadline 

• Fri 3 Oct – Applicants notified 

• Mon 6 - Mon 20 Oct – Application surgeries for those who are randomly selected 

• Wed 5 Nov - Proposal Deadline 

• Mon 17- Fri 28 Nov - Interviews 

• Tue 2 Dec - Applicants notified 

Any Questions? 

We realise that forms don’t suit everyone, so if you would like discuss a different way to apply, or if you have any questions about the residencies or application process, please message us at residencies@watershed.co.uk 

Watershed’s Artist Residencies are made possible with support from Arts Council England. Our Artist Residencies are additionally supported by our partners in Pervasive Media Studio, UWE Bristol and University of Bristol.  

Closing Date: Wed 1 October, 10:00 BST

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