Micro-
Residency (M-R.18)
Having delivered over thirty visual art critiques across Kent, Threads identified the opportunity for development that exists in peer-to-peer activity. In answer to this, Threads curated a nine-month, paid programme of public residences, critiques and salons, supported by local cultural ambassadors.
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By keeping every event open to the public, the project offered a uniquely different cultural experience for visitors, highlighting East Kent as a must- visit destination for contemporary art. Thirty- four chosen artists participated in residences at partner locations, including:
Sidney Cooper (Canterbury), UCA Brewery Tap (Folkestone)
Ideas Test (Sittingbourne), Dover Studio Collective; and Dover Big Local/ Art31 Gallery.
A further eleven artists participated in Salons at the UCA Brewery Tap (Folkestone) and the Turner Contemporary (Margate).
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Each residency day was public facing with an open door policy all day, making more creative spaces open and accessible. An open critique closed the day, these were peer-led discussions surrounding work-in-progress. They were free to attend and there was no pressure to present work. Artists were given the chance to discuss vital ideas and pivotal moments that could shape future work.
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Salon events were held throughout the project. Differing from the residencies and open critiques, salons offered selected Artists the chance to install and present work to an audience followed by a q+a led by a panel of experienced creatives. To mark the halfway point of the project , Threads held a celebration event at Sidney Cooper Gallery . All residency artists, partners and guests were invited to enjoy sound-art performances, talks and discussions around the importance of sustainable creative energy and identifying Kent as a culture centre, as well as an exhibition of micro-residency documentation and a glass of bubbly.
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2019/2020 will see Threads' residency programme evolving nationally and internationally.... Stay tuned!
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