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.
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).
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.
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.
2019/2020 will see Threads' residency programme evolving nationally and internationally.... Stay tuned!
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