Residencies are for a two week period, starting on a Wednesday and finishing on a Tuesday.

The available residencies are:

Residency one: Wednesday 10th June to Tuesday 23rd June ( residency engagement activities to be delivered between the 14th and 23rd June with at least one on Saturday 20th June)

Residency two: Wednesday 24th June to Tuesday 7th July (residency engagement activities to be delivered between the 24th and 28th June with at least one on Sunday 28th June) 

The deadline for applications is 9pm Wednesday 28th January 2026 

Selection Criteria


Applications are assessed by a panel comprising the Jelly team and trustees.

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 will benefit and develop their practice.

• a willingness to actively contribute to and a desire to be involved with our artistic programme.

• a desire to contribute to Jelly’s ethos and values. 

• respond to the theme 'Play’'.

• A willingness to consider the sustainability of your residency.

Eligibility

Jelly welcomes applications from artists working in a range of media and at any stage of their careers. Jelly encourages collaborative practice and welcomes applications from collectives wishing to share a studio space, where practical. These residencies are only open to artists who have not previously participated in a paid residency with Jelly.  It is the intent of Jelly to make sure that artists in genuine need of developing their work make the most appropriate use of the space for the time period. 

We are committed to a programme that truly reflects the diversity of our local community. Reading is home to a wide range of cultures, and we are especially keen to encourage applications from groups who have been systematically undersupported in the arts, including artists who identify as Black, Asian, or from other Global Majority backgrounds. We believe that diversity enriches creativity and collaboration, and we are dedicated to building an environment where artists from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported.

We encourage applications from artists working at all levels, from recent graduates to those with emerging or established careers.

Residency includes: 

Stipend: £300

Additionally you will have free use of a studio space for two weeks (which is equivalent to £75 studio rent).

The money will be a contribution towards your time, and Jelly will separately support materials for public engagement where appropriate. 

Space: You will be given your own space to work within the Jelly studios. 

Access to this space is 24 hours. This space is yours to create in. 

Support: The Jelly team will support you in the development of your public engagement activities and considering how these can most benefit your own arts practice.

Promotion: Your practice and residency will be promoted through our social media channels.

Associate Artist scheme: You will receive one year of free membership to our Associate Artist scheme in order to receive continued support and development from Jelly (which is equivalent to £72). You can see more about the scheme here https://www.jelly.org.uk/associate-artists 

Artist obligations: 

To make use of the opportunity of two weeks working in the space. We understand that everyone has different obligations on their time and we welcome artists to work flexibly during the two week period, with the option to make use of 24 hour access to the studios.There is no set amount of hours you need to complete in the space.

Contribution to our social media channels in the form of images and words. 

Audience participation - We require 2 public facing activities during the residency. This can come in many forms, for example a public facing workshop, artist talk or working in the space while allowing the public to observe. We will require one of these activities to happen at the weekend.You will be supported to develop and deliver these activities. You will need to attend one meeting (virtual or in person) to plan your activity with the Jelly Team.

Evaluation: Artists will be required to complete one form prior to commencing their residency and one after to give feedback and support evaluation. These residencies are funded by the Arts Council and artists will be required to display relevant logos, hashtags and links on social media posts. 

PLEASE NOTE

It's important to be aware that there are times when you may be working in the space alone and will have your own key to open and lock up. You will be given a full induction to the space. 

The studios do not include accommodation and any artists travelling from outside the location will be responsible for their own transport or accommodation costs. 

Access to the studio outside of the mall's opening hours is via stairs or service lift with sliding doors, and as such later evening use of the studios may have access limitations for some people.

Due to the nature of our space we have no running water, although there is a staff toilet and sinks which will be made accessible to you. We are also a communal space which regularly welcomes the public. The studios do not have specialist ventilation equipment and are not suitable for practices involving 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.

The space you will be allocated is in public view. Any works displayed in the space must be appropriate for the audience in the location and we reserve the right to remove any work that is considered inappropriate. 

We are currently operating under a 3 month notice period for our studios. Therefore final confirmation of the residency going ahead is 3 months before the residency begins.

Equal Opportunities


Jelly does not discriminate against eligible applications on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic background, religion, disability or age. Artists are encouraged to discuss any access requirements with Jelly before applying and are also welcome to contact the Jelly team if they need help completing their application or wish to apply in a different format.

Applications for residencies are now OPEN - Click here to apply

If you would like to discuss the residency process ahead of your application then please email studio@jelly.org.uk