DURHAM CATHEDRAL ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
ABOUT THE RESIDENCYIn 1970 the Chaplaincy to the Arts and Recreation converted a former rectory in Teesside into a centre for artists of all disciplines to meet and work together. One experiment within this centre was the provision for an artist in residence. It was an experiment which was financially supported and monitored by Northern Arts for possible development elsewhere. It was a brief experiment but it lasted long enough for its value to be recognised. Some ten years later and with the combined support of a variety of sponsors, the Chaplaincy was able to develop the artist-in-residency from a base within the precincts of Durham Cathedral "the finest building in the world". From then, the residency has offered a year-long opportunity for artists, aimed to be of benefit at a critical stage in their development. The original twofold purpose of the Cathedral Residency remains true to the ideals first established in 1983. It is: 1. To provide time and space for an artist, free of other pressures, to respond to the Cathedral as a powerful creative statement in stone, a place for daily public worship, and the centre of a working community of stone masons, joiners, gardeners and office workers, as well as vergers, musicians and clergy. 2. To provide the opportunity for public access to an artist at work. The Residency has changed slightly over the years, a full history is available here, and it is now administered by the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media at the University of Sunderland. UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLANDAn important part of the residency is the relationship with the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media, University of Sunderland. The relationship with the University takes two forms. The Resident becomes involved in the teaching of the Faculy and thereby makes a contribution that has become a vital and stimulating part of the annual programme. Secondly, the Resident has access to the facilities that the Faculty provides. Specialist workshops in metal, wood, clay, plaster, photography, ceramics, glass (both hot and architectural glass), printmaking in its various forms and digital media offer support to a wide range of two and three dimensional working studios. Additionally, the Faculty houses a radio station and a television provision. All of these facilities are available to the Resident for the extension and development of their work in any way appropriate, should this be required. The Reg Vardy Gallery is the Faculty's own well-equipped and thriving gallery where the artist holding the nine month residency is invited to hold a solo exhibition. Provision may also be made by Durham County Council for the artist to hold a solo exhibition at Durham Art Gallery, where there is a year-round programme of temporary exhibitions, plus a full programme of music, workshops and events. LIVING ACCOMMODATIONSt. Chad’s College, which is part of the University of Durham, has welcomed the presence of the artist-in-residence for a number of years. The College, situated by the side of the cathedral, is housed in largely eighteenth century buildings and its students are drawn from all faculties in the University. The artist-in-residence is given accommodation a short walk from the studio in that part of the college occupied by postgraduates, and is encouraged to take part in their discussions and activities. Two thirds of the cost of the accommodation is met out of the budgets of the College and the Cathedral. The artist, who is also a member of the College’s Senior Common Room, provides the remainder. DURHAM CATHEDRAL ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE1983-1984 Virginia Bodman Applications for the 2010 Durham Artist in Residence are now closed, however more information about the appointment can be found here. The Residency is supported by: Durham Cathedral Chapter
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