The Residency
In partnership with The Koppel Project, Studio West is delighted to invite applications for the STUDIO WEST RESIDENCY, a five-month, fully funded studio and mentorship programme based at Koppel Heights, Elephant and Castle, 101 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BN.
The upcoming residency will run from 1 April 2026 until 31 August 2026, concluding with a public Open Studio showcase.
This opportunity is designed to support artists in the first three years of their professional practice, offering dedicated studio space alongside structured, practical mentorship aimed at strengthening and sustaining a long-term career in the arts.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
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Be within the first three years of professional practice
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Be able to commit to the full residency period (1 April – 31 August 2026)
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Be willing and able to devote the majority of their time to working in the Studio West residency studio
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Have valid permission or a visa allowing them to work as an artist in the UK
Please note that artists are expected to be based in London for the duration of the residency and not travel for extended periods.
DEADLINE
Monday 9 March 2026, 11.59pm
See further details and submission guidelines below.
ABOUT THE RESIDENCY
The STUDIO WEST RESIDENCY provides a generous, bright studio space within Koppel Heights — a 70,000-square-foot creative hub accommodating artists and practitioners working across diverse media. Residents will be part of both the Studio West cohort and the wider Koppel community, with opportunities to engage in events and access exhibition space.
Alongside studio access, residents will take part in an informative and educational mentorship programme led by Founder Caroline Boseley and invited art world professionals. Sessions are designed to provide practical guidance often missing from traditional arts education.
Topics include:
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Developing and sustaining your artistic practice
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Writing and speaking about your work
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Social media strategy and digital presence
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Connecting with galleries and art professionals
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Contracts, pricing and making sales
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Business and commercial guidance
Residents will also benefit from networking opportunities, introductions to collectors and gallerists, and social media promotion throughout the residency period. Caroline Boseley will be available throughout the residency for informal conversations, guidance and professional advice.
The residency culminates in a public Open Studio event, delivered and promoted in collaboration with The Koppel Project.
WHAT THE RESIDENCY PROVIDES
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A fully funded studio space open daily from 8am to 12am
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All heating, electricity and Wi-Fi costs covered
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Lift access
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Tailored mentoring sessions and professional development support
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Social media promotion throughout the residency
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Introductions to industry professionals, collectors and gallerists
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A public end-of-residency Open Studio showcase
Please note that material costs are not covered. Accommodation and travel are not provided.
RESIDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Selected artists will be asked to:
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Work respectfully within the shared studio environment and contribute positively to the community.
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Participate fully in the mentorship sessions and residency opportunities.
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Agree to a 30% commission payable to the programme on any work made and sold as a result of collector visits, the end-of-residency showcase, or any exhibition organised by Studio West.
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Have at least two works available to exhibit and sell at the end-of-residency Open Studio.
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Donate a small- to medium-sized artwork of their choosing to the residency programme.
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Assist with preparing and invigilating the Open Studio exhibition.
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Arrange collection of unsold works and materials at the end of the residency and leave the studio space empty and tidy.
As part of our partnership with The Koppel Project, residents will also be required to agree to standard studio rules, including no use of toxic chemicals, no naked flames, no pets and no antisocial behaviour. Full studio guidelines will be provided upon selection.