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 decicaed residncy begain 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.
This open call is not yet open for 2026.
Please check back for updates, or we recommend joining our mailing list, or following us on social media to stay up-to-date
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–March. each year, and can break up the 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 a short, simple Expression of Interest (EOI) in text, video, or audio will be asked.
- When is the open call live: Open call usually opens in February each year – follow us on socials, and subscribe to our newsletter for the most up-to-date announcements