We are currently accepting applications from artists for Studio 3 based at our warehouse in central Oxford. Our building has 24 hour access and is well connected to many bus routes and only minutes from Oxford Rail Station. We also have a large off-street loading area with wide doors. The studio has power sockets and Wi-Fi. It is lockable and can be painted inside to suit your practice. Each studio-holder will benefit from communal facilities including access to a messy sink with running water and a kitchen. Based within OVADA’s warehouse, studio-holders become part of a vibrant exhibition and education space, and have opportunities to participate in Open Studio events, workshops and collaborate with other practitioners.
Dimensions: 3m x 3m (9 sq m)
Cost: £200 pcm, excluding electricity charges which are calculated by an individual studio meter and payable every quarter. Rent must be paid on the first day of each month by standing order. A deposit of £200 must be paid in advance.
Deadline for applications: Friday 5th February at 12 noon.
The studio contract must start in February 2021. If you cannot commit to this timescale please do not apply for a studio at OVADA this time around.
Studio Aims
In line with OVADA’s Artistic Policy we welcome applications from artists working at all levels; from recent graduates to those with emerging or established and successful careers.
Selection Criteria
Studio holders are selected following an application procedure, which is assessed by OVADA’s Directors. Applicants should demonstrate:
a commitment to contemporary art practice and engagement with a wider contemporary art context.
a clear vision for the development of their work.
how a studio at OVADA will benefit and develop their practice.
a willingness to actively contribute to OVADA and a desire to be involved with our artistic programme.
a shared commitment to OVADA’s ethos, aims and objectives, as the Visual Arts Development Agency for Oxfordshire.
Eligibility
OVADA welcomes applications from artists working in a range of media and at any stage of their careers. OVADA encourages collaborative practice and welcomes applications from collectives wishing to share a studio, where practical. There are however some restrictions on eligibility, for example, we are not able to consider applications from undergraduate students in full time education or applicants who are unable to commit to regular use of the space to avoid inactive studios. Preferably artists will use the space on a daily basis as this contributes to the feeling of an art community within the Building. Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate maximum usage of the Studio.
Viewings – not currently possible due to Covid.
Application Procedure
Applicants are required to send the following information to OVADA in advance of the deadline by email to: programming@ovada.org.uk
Current CV
Artist’s Statement: a maximum of 500 words about why they are applying for a studio at OVADA, how their practice meets OVADA’s selection criteria, details of their forthcoming projects, and how they would manage studio usage.
Documentation of artwork: Up to 6 image files (maximum of 1MB each) or preferably a link to their website or online gallery of photos/video/sound work.
Where necessary, OVADA will shortlist from the applications and invite artists for interview before making a final selection.
Equal Opportunities
OVADA does not discriminate against eligible applications on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic background, religion, disability or age. Artists are advised to discuss any access requirements with OVADA before applying. They are also welcome to contact OVADA if they need help completing their application or wish to submit their application in an alternative format.
Selection Procedure
OVADA works with a broad definition of visual arts and welcomes applications from artists using various media. However, practices must be compatible with our facilities and respect other studio-holders. For example, we are unable to offer studios to artists using heavy machinery, welding tools or excessively loud equipment. Please note that the studios do not have specialist ventilation equipment and are not suitable for practices involving prolonged use of solvents or aerosols. If you have any specific requirements, please make this clear in your application or contact us to discuss before applying.
When selecting studio holders OVADA will consider the merit of the artist’s work in addition to the points outlined in the ‘Selection Criteria’ section. OVADA will also aim to achieve a successful balance of practices within the studio complex when selecting artists. All applicants will be notified of the outcome within two week of the application deadline. Successful applicant(s) will be offered a studio upon signing the Studio Licence Agreement. Due to limited resources we are not able to offer individual feedback to applicants.
Studio Reviews
Studio contracts run on a 6 month basis, renewable subject to a Studio Review which will consider usage, commitment to the organisation and compliance with OVADA’s constitution and artistic aims. Studio holders who do not fulfil these aspects of the policy may be given notice on their license agreement. Artists are required to give a 3 month notice period.Please send all enquiries to: programming@ovada.org.uk.