Upcoming artist residency focuses on gender equality

Suffolk Libraries are inviting six local artists to undertake a week-long artist residency at Bury St Edmunds Library.  

During the residency artists will be given the opportunity to spend the week exploring their practice through the theme of gender equality. 

This opportunity is referred to as a ‘BLOC Lab’ and is part of Suffolk Libraries’ ‘BLOC – Building Libraries on Creativity’ programme funded by Arts Council England. Previous BLOC Labs have taken place in Ipswich, Hadleigh and Lowestoft. 

Previous Artists-in-Residence taking part in October 2019 said: 

“Suffolk Libraries were outstanding facilitators who understood and challenged us as artists. Being paid to be an ‘artist’ with no specific requirement for and outcome was a breath of fresh air for my practice.” 

“The artist talks were brilliant – inspiring, stimulating and cutting edge and introduced me to ideas about different levels of participatory work. I particularly valued the self-led creative time- sparked by the tour of Lowestoft which got me started on a rich vein of exploration. I valued being able to follow my interest and also the collaborating with other artists. The meal out was great for some relaxed social time.” 

“The residency felt like a “masters in a week”, a crash course in self value as an artist but also an intensive reboot in the preconceptions of what libraries offer to their community.” 

In Spring 2020, the British Library presents Unfinished Business: The Fight for Women’s Rights. The exhibition will explore how contemporary fights for gender equality and liberation in the UK have their roots in the long and complex history of women’s activism and campaigning. It will include items ranging from personal diaries, letters, banners and protest fashion, to subversive literature, film, music and art. 

Suffolk Libraries are looking for artists who are keen to create work with the theme of gender equality. 

Exhibitions and events will also be held at Ipswich County Library, Lowestoft Library and Bury St Edmunds Library to celebrate this theme. 

The residency will take place from 30th March to 3rd April 2020 with applications closing at midday on Friday 6th March.

Phone interviews will take place on Tuesday 10th March. 

To apply for this artists residency, visit www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/bloc 

 

---