Open call for artsdepot’s artist residency programme

The North Finchley venue is inviting applications from local artists and those seeking ‘a home in London’ writes Katy Davies

Performer, writer and composer Renu Arora is an artsdepot resident alumnus – (Credit – artsdepot)

London’s go-to cultural hub is looking to nurture the next generation of artistic talent for its artist residency programme, which organisers are calling a ‘rare gem opportunity’ in today’s arts sector.

The artsdepot artist residency programme, now in its 11^th year, is one of the few remaining ‘open call’ artist funding programmes that supports emerging and unknown artists on a development basis without the pressure to generate a finished performance.

Nine artists or companies at any stage of their career will be selected to join the sought-after summer cohort to explore new ideas.

One of the places available will be allocated to an emerging young artist or company aged between 18-25, and they’ll receive additional mentoring support from artsdepot’s producing team.

A further three of the available places will be funded in collaboration with Tsitsit festival, who return to sponsor 1 in 3 residencies to help develop new works that reflect contemporary and historic Jewish identities and cultures, culminating in a showcase at the festival in autumn 2027.

Successful applicants can be from anywhere in the UK and will become part of the artist alumni network.

Last year’s alumni includes SIT DOWN performer, writer and composer Renu Arora whose project The Burgundy Book went on to win the Peggy Ramsay award in March of this year.

The artist, who has more than twenty years’ experience in mainstream theatre including at the RSC, says: “artsdepot gave us a home to develop The Burgundy Book with my world class team. I’m so grateful for them, not only because they happen to be 10 minutes from my front door and understand the nuance of access but also, they’ve created a space where we are now part of the artsdepot family. Curating a group of artists is not just about the talent in the room, or selecting a group of humans with brilliant stories, but the magic happens when you do all the above and bring brilliant people together.”

CEO and Creative Director of artsdepot, Monique Deletant, said: “We are delighted to have an open call that offers the chance to develop creative ideas to any artist at any stage of their career. This means you don’t have to be known to us to receive funding.

“We are also committed to being ‘a home in London’ for artists outside of London who could benefit from developing their work and networks with us as Barnet’s go-to cultural hub. We can’t wait to welcome new applications.”

Residencies run from September 2026 – August 2027. Full support includes:

Up to four weeks of rehearsal space in our Creation Space (this can be split over 12 months as suits your project)
Work in progress / scratch performance opportunity (if required)
£1,000 seed funding
Mentorship / support from the artsdepot team
Access to hot desking / meeting space
Professional development workshops
Networking opportunities
Those chosen will also be offered free places on all of artsdepot’s artist development workshops with industry professionals throughout the year.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 26 May at 5pm. To apply, visit https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/applications-open-for-the-2026-27-artist-residency-programme/

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