Artists in residence sought by New Forest National Park Authority and Sway charity SPUD to creatively engage with area and its community

CREATIVES who can capture the spirit of the New Forest National Park are being sought to become its next artists in residence.

Sway-based charity SPUD and the national park authority are inviting interested parties to come forward for the next two residences, starting in October and May.

Funded by a £45,000 Arts Council England grant, the programme is open for artists of any discipline.

They can work with and comment on a chosen area, idea, or community within or engaging with the National Park.

Artists can incorporate prolonged research into their residency and connect with local and national audiences with site specific work and/or a gallery show six months on.

SPUD is hosting Common Ground, an exhibition by second New Forest National Park Artist in Residence Beccy McCray, at spudWORKS, in Sway until tomorrow (Saturday).

Analogue photographer Marie Smith was the first artist in residence, and third artist Melanie Rose began her residency in May and will exhibit later this year.

SPUD director Mark Drury said: “This is an incredible chance to build a collection of responses from artists whose knowledge and experience can help to positively promote arts throughout the national park.”

Arts Council England funding will help support and facilitate six new artists/groups over the next three years.

The next residency runs from 2nd-30th October, with the exhibition in May 2024.

Another will run from 29th April to 24th May 2024 and will exhibit in October that year.

For more information on the brief and how to apply, visit spud.org.uk/newforestartistinresidence