Artist Development Bursaries
Bold, Daring and Authentically Bradford
Following the success of the inaugural OUR TURN visual arts festival, South Square Centre is developing OUR TURN 2027 (funding dependent), a district-wide celebration of Bradford's visual arts community.
In partnership with United Art Project and Keighley Creative, we are offering two paid artist development bursaries to support new community-led visual arts projects.
The opportunity
Choose one of two research and development residencies:
United Art Project Residency
Based at Storehouse, South Bradford, this residency focuses on developing creative work through engagement with local communities, organisations and stories.
Based at Keighley Creative Art Gallery, this residency offers the opportunity to develop a new project inspired by the people, places and creative communities of Keighley.
Keighley Creative Residency
Both residencies provide time to research, build relationships and develop ideas for a future public project. By February 2027, artists will submit a proposal for a final outcome. Subject to Arts Council England funding, projects may be realised as part of OUR TURN 2027.
We welcome applications from artists working across all visual arts disciplines, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, craft, photography, film, digital media and socially engaged practice.
What you’ll receive
£3,000 artist fee
£750 materials budget
Additional workshop budget
Project support from South Square and residency partners
Artist mentor
Networking, marketing and documentation support
Access support where required
Opportunity for further funding to deliver the final project (subject to funding)
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Live, study or work within the Bradford District
Have an established visual arts or craft practice
Be able to manage a project and work to the residency timetable
Be interested in collaborative, community-engaged practice
We particularly welcome applications from artists currently under-represented in the visual arts sector.
For more information, please download our Information Pack:
How to apply
Submit an initial proposal that demonstrates how you would begin working with communities in either South Bradford or Keighley.
We are looking for ideas that can evolve through research, collaboration and local engagement rather than fully developed projects.
Applications can be submitted in writing, audio or video (maximum five minutes).
Applications open: 6 August 2026
Deadline: 1 September 2026
For support with your application, please contact: info@southsquarecentre.co.uk
