This is an annual residency designed specifically for disabled artists, named in honour of our founder and disabled artist, Patricia Sutcliffe. It supports a disabled artist working in any medium and reflects Patricia’s vision for a more inclusive and equitable future for the arts.
The Art House is home to one of the UK’s most accessible residency programmes, with purpose-built accessible Maker Spaces, studios, and on-site accommodation designed to support a wide range of access needs.
Disabled people make up 23% of the UK population. We aim for our programme to reflect that. We actively encourage applications from disabled, neurodivergent and chronically ill artists. The residency is a proud celebration of Patricia’s vision, who championed a better future for the arts inclusively.
This dedicated residency began in 2024, to celebrate The Art House’s 30th anniversary and three decades of breaking barriers.
Our 2024 artists are Emma Bentley Fox and Lily Lavorato.
Our 2025 artist was Terence Birch.
Application Process
We are inviting an expression of interest (EOI) application process.
Please give a very short summary of you, your idea, or what you would like to use the residency for. The is no standard process, but perhaps you can briefly describe your practice, the idea you want to explore, the art form, and content. Or you can briefly explore what you’d like to use the residency time for. This is all about establishing your ideas and how we can support you.
The opportunity is to support you and your practice. You are not required to have a project in mind, make an object or create a final outcome.
You can make your application using text, video, or audio. To keep the process simple, we suggest no more than one page of A4 text / or 4 minutes of video/audio. Of course, you can provide more if you prefer, but there is no need to offer more than what is suggested. You can also send us links to your socials/website.
Your EOI can be submitted to residencies@the-arthouse.org.
EOI proposals are welcomed from disabled artists working in all types of contemporary visual art practice, and from artists at all stages of their development.
The selected artist will engage in an initial online conversation TAH Programme Team to explore their aspirations for this residency, and what other support may be needed and available. We are very happy to discuss flexibility if any aspect of the offer needs adapting to suit your needs.
Applications close 31 March 2026
Key Information
- When is it open: Each year, the call-out for this opportunity usually opens in February.
- Residency type: The selected artist will be invited to take a one-month residency
- When: We can support a residency taking place anytime between April to the following March. The one-month residency can be broken into smaller time periods to suit artist’s needs.
- Who it’s for: Disabled artists living and working in the UK.
- Discipline: Open to artists working in any medium.
- What’s provided: Support budget: £2,500 (suggested £1,500 artist fee, £750 material, £250 travel) and studio space and accommodation at The Art House.
- Free access (with technician support) to Print Studio, Ceramic Studio and Darkroom
- 1–2–1 coaching and mentoring with The Art House Programme team
- Important: We know that some disabled artists may face restrictions regarding fees. We don’t want this to be a barrier and should not stop people from thinking they cannot apply. We’re committed to finding fair, transparent and artist-led solutions so everyone can take part.
When and How to apply
- Application type: We know time is precious, so please submit a short, simple Expression of Interest to residencies@the-arthouse.org.
uk. Please specify in the email subject the name of the residency you are applying to. - When is the open call live: This callout is now open, Applications close 31 March 2026.