Why undertake an Artist Residency?
Focus exclusively on your art, away from the distractions and duties of daily life - the biggest gift from an Artist Residency is the space and time it provides
Develop and expand your art in an intensely creative and stimulating environment
Immerse yourself in a different place, community or culture
Challenge yourself by taking your art (and you) out of your comfort zone
Live and learn within a community of Artists from around the world
Be exposed to new ways of being and thinking
Combine your art and travel
Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity
Why undertake an Artist Residency?
Focus exclusively on your art, away from the distractions and duties of daily life - the biggest gift from an Artist Residency is the space and time it provides
Develop and expand your art in an intensely creative and stimulating environment
Immerse yourself in a different place, community or culture
Challenge yourself by taking your art (and you) out of your comfort zone
Live and learn within a community of Artists from around the world
Be exposed to new ways of being and thinking
Combine your art and travel
Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity
Join the Waitlist
Be the first to know when enrolments for The International Artist open.
Join the Waitlist
Be the first to know when enrolments for The International Artist open.
What you will learn and receive in this program. . .
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How to pinpoint a residency that is right for you
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How to break down the application process into manageable steps
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How to ensure you give the residency host exactly what they want and ask for
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How to write a straightforward and compelling proposal (including editing and proofing)
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Critical image advice and selection
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How to make your resumé work for you (including tips on how to develop it into the future)
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How to pinpoint referees that will advocate for you and your art, how to make sure you get what you need from them
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How to fund your residency - find out your options
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How to find, pinpoint and apply for grants, advice on successful grant writing
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A completed high-quality artist residency application!
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A fun and stress-free process
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The skills to do this again and again
Is this for you?
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You are a Visual Artists (including ceramicists, sculptors, glass artists, painters, drawers, illustrators, gold and silversmiths, printmakers, woodworkers, photographers, textile artists)
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You are fully committed to your Art. It doesn't have to be full-time.
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You have some experience (though it doesn’t need to be a lot)
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You have a unique artistic voice and a great idea!
Through my own experiences, I have become a passionate advocate for the opportunities artist residencies can bring artists of all varieties. To date I have been successful in being selected for four international artist residencies. These include: European Ceramic Work Centre, The Netherlands (2008), Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Colorado USA (2012), Baer Art Center, Northern Iceland (2016) and Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, Japan (2019). I have been able to craft unique proposals and make my work stand out from the crowd, often through highly competitive application processes. Of the four residencies I applied for I’ve been successful each time. These residencies have been extraordinary and diverse experiences that have profoundly impacted my art and myself.
I offer The International Artist Program because I strongly believe that an artist residency can have an immense impact on an artist’s work and life. I want to assist artists who dream of undertaking an artist residency, are ready for it and have a unique artistic ‘voice,’ but may feel overwhelmed or discouraged by the application process - whether they’ve attempted an application in the past or not. I want to use my skills and knowledge, sharpened over years, to save artists hours of procrastination, stress, and time. I want to work with artists to put forward an outstanding application that sets them apart from the crowd, dramatically increasing their chance of success.
Through my own experiences, I have become a passionate advocate for the opportunities artist residencies can bring artists of all varieties. To date I have been successful in being selected for four international artist residencies. These include: European Ceramic Work Centre, The Netherlands (2008), Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Colorado USA (2012), Baer Art Center, Northern Iceland (2016) and Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, Japan (2019). I have been able to craft unique proposals and make my work stand out from the crowd, often through highly competitive application processes. Of the four residencies I applied for I’ve been successful each time. These residencies have been extraordinary and diverse experiences that have profoundly impacted my art and myself.
I offer The International Artist Program because I strongly believe that an artist residency can have an immense impact on an artist’s work and life. I want to assist artists who dream of undertaking an artist residency, are ready for it and have a unique artistic ‘voice,’ but may feel overwhelmed or discouraged by the application process - whether they’ve attempted an application in the past or not. I want to use my skills and knowledge, sharpened over years, to save artists hours of procrastination, stress, and time. I want to work with artists to put forward an outstanding application that sets them apart from the crowd, dramatically increasing their chance of success.
How this will unfold. . .
Session 1
It's all about the location
In our first session, we’ll explore your dream artist residencies - what draws you to them, and how you and your work could benefit from the experience. We’ll dig into the practical details you need to consider before applying, facilities, duration, costs, artist expectations, and more. You’ll learn how to go beyond the website to uncover what a residency is really like.
By the end of this session, you’ll have either chosen your number one residency to apply for or be well on your way to narrowing it down.
Session 2
Set up for success
We will break your residency application into clear, manageable parts. From your written proposal to your images and résumé, we’ll go over each element in detail, making sure you understand exactly what’s required (the devil is in the detail). We’ll also create a realistic timeline with mini milestones to keep your progress on track. With residencies receiving hundreds of applications, precision matters. This session lays the groundwork for a strong, standout submission.
Session 3
Writing with clarity and distinction
In this session, we’ll focus on one of the most critical components of your application: your written proposal or work plan. Together, we’ll identify the ideas, themes, and processes that make your work distinct, and clearly articulate your proposed project - what you plan to do, how you’ll do it, and why it matters. We’ll tailor your proposal to the specific residency, ensuring your pitch is clear, relevant, and compelling. I’ll support you through drafting, editing, and refining your writing so it stands out for all the right reasons.
Session 4
Delivering exceptional support material
This session is all about crafting the materials that strengthen and elevate your application: your résumé, artist biography, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents. We’ll review and polish your current résumé, and I’ll guide you in writing a compelling bio that highlights your achievements with confidence and clarity. You’ll learn how to identify the best people to write your recommendation letters, those who truly believe in your work, and how to approach them strategically so they can advocate for you in the strongest possible way.
Session 5
Curating winning images
The right images can open doors, and the wrong ones can close them. In this session, we will review your existing artwork images with a sharp eye for quality, clarity, cohesion, and relevance. You’ll receive tailored advice on professional photography and, if needed, practical tips for photographing your work yourself. Together, we’ll curate a strong, intentional image set that powerfully supports your written proposal. I’ll also help you troubleshoot any technical issues with digital files, from sizing and resolution to creating an accurate image list.
Session 6
Raising the money
In our final session, we will review your residency application to make sure it’s submission-ready! I will help you navigate the application process, including online portals, and double-check all the moving parts. Then, we’ll turn our attention to funding. We’ll determine how much financial support you’ll need to make your residency possible and explore options including self-funding, crowdfunding, fundraising, and importantly grants. I’ll introduce you to a range of potential grant sources, from government and philanthropic to private and independent, and help you identify the most suitable ones for your project. You’ll also receive practical tools and strategies to give your grant application the best chance of success.
At the end of these 6 sessions you will have submitted a first-rate application to your dream artist residency, giving yourself the best opportunity for success. You will have the tools and knowledge to do this repeatedly.
How this will unfold. . .
Session 1
It's all about the location
In our first session, we’ll explore your dream artist residencies - what draws you to them, and how you and your work could benefit from the experience. We’ll dig into the practical details you need to consider before applying, facilities, duration, costs, artist expectations, and more. You’ll learn how to go beyond the website to uncover what a residency is really like.
By the end of this session, you’ll have either chosen your number one residency to apply for or be well on your way to narrowing it down.
Session 2
Set up for success
We will break your residency application into clear, manageable parts. From your written proposal to your images and résumé, we’ll go over each element in detail, making sure you understand exactly what’s required (the devil is in the detail). We’ll also create a realistic timeline with mini milestones to keep your progress on track. With residencies receiving hundreds of applications, precision matters. This session lays the groundwork for a strong, standout submission.
Session 3
Writing with clarity and distinction
In this session, we’ll focus on one of the most critical components of your application: your written proposal or work plan. Together, we’ll identify the ideas, themes, and processes that make your work distinct, and clearly articulate your proposed project - what you plan to do, how you’ll do it, and why it matters. We’ll tailor your proposal to the specific residency, ensuring your pitch is clear, relevant, and compelling. I’ll support you through drafting, editing, and refining your writing so it stands out for all the right reasons.
Session 4
Delivering exceptional support material
This session is all about crafting the materials that strengthen and elevate your application: your résumé, artist biography, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents. We’ll review and polish your current résumé, and I’ll guide you in writing a compelling bio that highlights your achievements with confidence and clarity. You’ll learn how to identify the best people to write your recommendation letters, those who truly believe in your work, and how to approach them strategically so they can advocate for you in the strongest possible way.
Session 5
Curating winning images
The right images can open doors, and the wrong ones can close them. In this session, we will review your existing artwork images with a sharp eye for quality, clarity, cohesion, and relevance. You’ll receive tailored advice on professional photography and, if needed, practical tips for photographing your work yourself. Together, we’ll curate a strong, intentional image set that powerfully supports your written proposal. I’ll also help you troubleshoot any technical issues with digital files, from sizing and resolution to creating an accurate image list.
Session 6
Raising the money
In our final session, we will review your residency application to make sure it’s submission-ready! I will help you navigate the application process, including online portals, and double-check all the moving parts. Then, we’ll turn our attention to funding. We’ll determine how much financial support you’ll need to make your residency possible and explore options including self-funding, crowdfunding, fundraising, and importantly grants. I’ll introduce you to a range of potential grant sources, from government and philanthropic to private and independent, and help you identify the most suitable ones for your project. You’ll also receive practical tools and strategies to give your grant application the best chance of success.
At the end of these 6 sessions you will have submitted a first-rate application to your dream artist residency, giving yourself the best opportunity for success. You will have the tools and knowledge to do this repeatedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this program for?
This program is for visual artists who are ready to apply for an artist residency and want expert support to craft a compelling application that gives them a higher chance of success. You don’t need to have done a residency before, but you should have a clear art practice and a desire to grow through new experiences.
Do I need to already have a residency in mind?
Not at all. In our first session, we’ll explore your goals, interests, and practical needs, then research potential residencies to help you identify the one that’s the best fit for you and your work.
How is the program delivered, and how long does it run?
The program includes six one-on-one mentoring sessions with me, delivered via Zoom. Each session runs for 1–1.5 hours. We’ll typically meet fortnightly, giving you time for research, writing, image preparation, and other tasks in between. We will discuss and tailor the schedule when we begin.
What if I don’t get accepted into the residency?
Residency applications are competitive, and while there are no guarantees, this program significantly increases your chances. If you’re not successful the first time, you’ll have a strong, well-crafted application you can refine and resubmit, or use as a foundation to apply for other residencies with confidence.
Can this program help with grant applications too?
Yes, to an extent. In the final session, we’ll look at funding options and outline a strategy to support your residency, including grant suggestions and writing tips. While I won’t walk you through an entire grant application, many of the materials you’ll develop for your residency will carry over.
What if I’ve already started an application?
Great! You’re ahead of the game. We’ll build on the work you’ve already done and shape it into a clear, distinctive, and competitive application.
Be the first to know.
Get exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights from the studio and mentor’s desk, and special invitations only shared with my inner circle.
By signing up, you’ll get event reminders and be added to my mailing list for exclusive tips and resources. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Be the first to know.
Get exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights from the studio and mentor’s desk, and special invitations only shared with my inner circle.
By signing up, you’ll get event reminders and be added to my mailing list for exclusive tips and resources. You can unsubscribe anytime.
