Applications from artists in Oxfordshire are invited to do a short residency near Charlbury between June and October. One or two weeks.

ART PITCH residencies offer artists from the UK and abroad the opportunity to work at Overlay Studio in the peace of the Cotswolds countryside near to Oxford in the lovely Evenlode valley. The residencies are hosted by British artist, curator and Director of AYYO Contemporary Art, Clare Carswell MA(RCA), and are offered to artists for reflective time and research without a required outcome, although works made during the residency can be exhibited in the AYYO gallery project space, or off-site. All projects are self-directed although dialogue with Clare and other artists by arrangement can be a valuable aspect of time spent at the studio.

Artists can stay on the small and well equipped campsite beside the studio with views of the Valley and have 24 hour access to the studio. There is ample parking and a studio bicycle that artists can use. Oxford and London are both within easy reach by train. There are lovely walks in the ancient landscape surrounding the studio; the area is rich in megaliths and standing stones including the Rollright stones. Stonehenge, Bath and Avebury are within striking distance. Local shops, pubs and cafés are within walking distance. Artists can be as solitary as they wish or be introduced to other artists working close by.

A fee of just £30 a day is charged for the residency which covers 24 hour access to the studio, heat, light, internet, all admin publicity and promotion of the residency and the artist. Artists pay campsite fees at a reduced daily rate if they choose to stay on site. It was £12 a night in 2017. Camping and cooking equipment provided with use of kitchen and showers. Artists supply all materials and pay for exhibition costs but AYYO provides support such as promotion, (alongside own publicity), and invigilation if required.

AYYO may ask resident artists to give talks or to take part in events that engage with the community.

Residency is open to visual artists, recent graduates or mid career artists. Applications from students welcome. Please send a statement about your work with images and outline how you hope to use your time at the studio. If finance is an issue then contact me anyway. If you have skills you can share to help with simple DIY and gardening then this can offset some of the costs for you.

Residencies can take place between May and October and can be of one or two weeks.