Open Call: Residency Program for Artists Based in Central America

Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

Gasworks is inviting applications from early-career contemporary visual artists based in Central America for an eleven-week, fully funded residency in London. The residency is part of Gasworks’ international residencies programme, which promotes cultural exchange and supports the professional development of contemporary visual artists from around the world. The 2027 open call is specifically for artists based in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. The selected artist will participate in a self-led and process-based residency in London from 7 April to 22 June 2027, providing time for artistic experimentation, research, professional development, and engagement with London’s cultural landscape. Purpose of the Gasworks Residency Gasworks’ international residency programme is designed to provide artists with an opportunity to develop their artistic practice while connecting with London’s contemporary art community.

The programme aims to:

- Support early-career contemporary visual artists. - Encourage artistic experimentation. - Provide space for research and development. - Foster international cultural exchange. - Expand artists’ professional networks. - Encourage engagement with London’s cultural landscape. - Support the development of new work. - Connect artists with curators and other arts professionals. Each year, the programme hosts up to 20 artists in London through its international residency activities. Gasworks Residency Dates The residency will run for 11 weeks, from: 7 April to 22 June 2027 The residency is self-led, meaning artists can focus on their own research, artistic development and experimentation rather than following a fixed production programme. Self-Led and Process-Based Residency The residency is designed around artistic process rather than requiring participants to deliver a predetermined final product. Artists can use the residency period for: - Research. - Artistic experimentation. - Development of new work. - Professional development. - Exploring new ideas. - Engaging with London’s cultural environment. - Building relationships with artists and curators. This approach provides artists with space to explore their practice and respond to new experiences and opportunities. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The open call is specifically aimed at early-career contemporary visual artists based in the following Central American countries: - Belize. - Costa Rica. - El Salvador. - Guatemala. - Honduras. - Nicaragua. - Panama. Applicants must be based in one of these countries and must meet the programme’s early-career contemporary visual artist requirements. English Language Requirement Applicants must have at least a moderate level of spoken English. This is important because the residency includes professional and networking opportunities with artists, curators and other members of London’s cultural community. Individual Artists Only The residency is open to individual artists only. The following are not eligible under the current arrangements: - Artistic duos. - Collectives. - Applicants requiring accommodation for partners. - Applicants requiring accommodation for children. The housing and funding arrangements are designed for an individual residency participant. Fully Funded Residency Support The selected artist will receive a comprehensive package of financial, accommodation, travel and professional support.

The support includes:

- Fully accessible private studio. - Single-room accommodation in a shared residency house. - Economy return flights. - Taxi transfers. - All visa costs. - Visa application support. - Weekly living stipend of £175. - Materials budget of up to £800. - Prepaid travel card for unlimited travel within central London. This package is designed to allow the selected artist to focus on their artistic practice during the eleven-week residency. Private Studio The selected artist will receive a fully accessible private studio. The studio provides dedicated space for research, experimentation and development of artistic work during the residency. Accommodation Accommodation will consist of a single room in a shared residency house. The accommodation arrangements are intended for the selected artist and do not provide housing for partners or children. International Travel The residency provides economy return flights between the artist’s home location and London. Taxi transfers are also included as part of the residency support. Visa Support The selected artist will receive support with the visa application process. All visa costs are also covered under the residency package. Living Stipend The selected artist will receive a weekly stipend of £175 for living expenses. This provides financial support during the residency period while the artist is based in London. Materials Budget The residency includes a materials budget of up to £800. This can help the artist obtain materials required for their research, experimentation and artistic development during the residency. London Travel Support The selected artist will receive a prepaid travel card for unlimited travel within central London. This can help the artist access London’s galleries, museums, cultural spaces, professional meetings, events and other relevant locations. Professional Development Opportunities The residency provides more than studio and financial support.

Artists can benefit from:

- Studio visits with curators. - Studio visits with artists. - Networking opportunities. - Open Studio events. - Access to basic tools. - Access to AV equipment. - A dedicated residency page on the Gasworks website. These opportunities can help artists develop professional connections and increase their visibility within London’s contemporary art community. Studio Visits The selected artist will have opportunities to participate in studio visits with curators and artists. These interactions can provide valuable feedback, professional exchange and opportunitie