Creative Support
Ignite
Our Arts Council funded programme of work is dedicated to enabling arts makers and audiences in Somerset to harness the new opportunities afforded through digital technology to create and experience greater artistic excellence and innovation.
The way we make, distribute, receive and exchange art is radically changing through the power of digital technology. Our programme of activity includes Artist Surgeries (below) Creative Network Events, Artist in Residency opportunity (below) and community outreach.
Artist in Residence
Ignite Somerset - Artist in Residency
Somerset Film want to offer a Somerset based artist an exciting opportunity to work as Artist in Residence at The Engine Room in Bridgwater from mid June to mid Sept 2024. This is an opportunity for artists working in any medium including: visual arts, performance, dance, music, sound art and the written word. We’re interested to see how the artist merges digital ideas with their existing practice. We want the artist to create a piece of digital art on the theme of the natural environment, climate action and/or climate justice.
In 2019 we responded to ongoing environmental concerns, declaring a Climate Emergency and exploring this thematically through our programme. Our ongoing aim is to make our environmental action plan as embedded as our approach to tackling isolation and addressing diversity. We aim to reduce our carbon footprint whilst increasing our reach and impact, and use our strengths in storytelling and community engagement to enable others to explore this issue and do the same.
Who we’re looking for
A Somerset based artist (an artist living in the county of Somerset), aged 18+, who wants to develop their practice.
An artist with a demonstrable practice and examples of work.
An artist working in any medium who would like to explore the creative potential of digital technology
An artist who would like to produce a new digital artwork for exhibition in September (September 21st to October 6th 2024.) to coincide with Somerset Arts Work Festival. We also hope to repeat showing the work in February in another venue.
An artist with Public Liability Insurance.
We particularly welcome applications from emerging (undergraduates and recent graduates), disabled and ethnically diverse artists.
Expectations
The artist will produce a tangible artwork through the exploitation of creative digital technology.
Over the course of the residency the artist will keep a log that documents their creative journey. This diary could be in the form of, for example: a blog, a video documentary, a photo diary or audio diary.
The artist will present their project at a Creative Network. The Creative Network is an informal event for artists to get together and share ideas and inspiration. The event takes place at The Engine Room on the last Wednesday of each month, the date at which the Artist in Residence will attend the Creative Network is July 31st..
The artist is expected to exhibit the artwork developed on the residency at The Engine Room for Somerset Art Works Festival Weeks - September 21st to October 6th 2024.
Benefits to the artist
Somerset Film will pay the Artist in Residence a fee of £1,000 plus an additional £200 for materials.
The artist will be able to access, through negotiation with the team at Somerset Film, facilities at The Engine Room during the course of the residency. Our facilities include: Mac computers and a range of media production software, DSLRs, professional microphones, film and photography lighting, audio equipment and studio space.
Over the course of the residency the artist will benefit from up to twelve days support from the Ignite Somerset Creative Technologist. This support can cover, for example: ideas development, technical production assistance, video/sound editing, curatorial support.
If the artist is not already a member of SAW they will be given 12 months membership.
How to apply
Please prepare an outline proposal that describes your current practice and how you intend to use this opportunity (no more than 500 words), accompanied by a CV and three images that demonstrate your work, include links to any examples of your work online.
Send your proposal to daniel@somersetfilm.com by midday May 10th.
If you’re invited to an interview you will be required to show evidence of your work in the form of, for example: a portfolio, photographs or video.
If you require more information please contact info@somersetfilm.com
Artist Surgeries
Qualifying artists from Somerset, working in any artform, can apply for a free one-to-one surgery session (face to face or online) with the aim of bringing a digital element to their current practice or planned work. If you need help completing the form or accessing an online session, pop in or give us a call: 01278 433187.
Technical Support
If you have a creative project that you need support with take a look below for further details of how you can access technical support and equipment / software through the Creative Project Hub. If you need help completing the form, pop in or give us a call: 01278 433187.
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We offer FREE one to one technical support sessions to help you develop your creative projects.
From April 18th 2023 we will be introducing a new structure. The bookable one-to-one support is to learn a creative process or use equipment to continue with the project yourself. Registered users will be able to access bookable one-to-one support on Tuesday mornings (10am - 12pm* | max. two hours per person per quarter subject to demand). Registration is free. Further one-to-one support will be charged at a discounted cost of £30 per hour.
These sessions will mostly be held at The Engine Room but we aim to get out and about to other venues and will be offering bookable sessions at locations including Holman Hub at Chapel Cross Tea Rooms in South Cadbury and The Art Bank Café in Shepton Mallet amongst others. Please note under 18s must be accompanied by a a parent / carer.
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If you need access to equipment to continue your creative project then our Digital Creative Project Hub takes place on Tuesday afternoons (2pm – 4pm*). The hub is intended for those who just need access to equipment and occasional input from our technical manager to continue their creative project. When you apply to join the hub you will be asked about the creative project you want to undertake - hub resources will be allocated based on the information you provide. We will write to you to let you know how many hours we can allocate to you and your project. You will then need to sign up for the sessions you’d like to attend. Please note under 18s must be accompanied by a a parent / carer.
Short Script Library
This closed Facebook group is a place where Somerset scriptwriters can connect with local filmmakers and get their work made. Somerset writers are invited to share their story outline or a scene so that local filmmakers can get in touch and read their script.
“You never know, this could be the creative collaboration you've been waiting for!” This group is currently managed by volunteer Helen Tompson.
To join the group email info@somersetfilm.com Terms and conditions apply.
Creative Network
Our quarterly event showcases artists from all disciplines, in particular the digital aspect of making, sharing and exhibiting work. This year we’re keen to explore Art in Activism (February), Social Prescribing, Placemaking and 3D Sculpture.
You can watch talks by previous guests on our youtube channel.
Junction
These events take place every six months (June and December) and are an opportunity to show short films or extracts from something longer. For filmmakers and film fans. If you have a short film you’d like to sreen then get in touch
