Our Ignite Somerset programme, supported by the Arts Council England, offers a Somerset-based artist the opportunity to work as an artist-in-residence at The Engine Room in Bridgwater, from mid-June to mid-September 2026, and explore an aspect of digital technology.
This year, we’re interested in hearing from an artist who would like to create an environmentally themed interactive installation to be presented at The Engine Room in September 2026.
We welcome proposals where the environment plays a central role, whether through storytelling, sensory interpretation, environmental data, or reflections on place. Your installation might convey a message, uncover a story, or translate elements of the environment into an interactive digital form.
The selected artist will be supported by our Creative Technologist and will have access to a range of digital tools, including cameras, field recorders, projectors, VR/3D scanning apps, animation and editing software, projection-mapping tools and interactive media platforms such as VDMX.
How to apply
Please send an outline proposal (maximum 500 words) introducing your current practice and your initial ideas for responding to the residency focus. You may wish to mention the tools you’re interested in experimenting with, or the environmental themes you hope to explore. Include a CV and a link to your work or portfolio. Send your proposal by midday 1 May 2026 to daniel@somersetfilm.com
We particularly welcome applications from emerging (undergraduates and recent graduates), disabled and ethnically diverse artists.
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.
The interactive installation will be exhibited 19 September - 2 October 2026 at The Engine Room in Bridgwater, as part of Somerset Art Weeks.
An artist with Public Liability Insurance.
Expectations
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 event during September 2026.
(The Creative Network is an informal event for artists to get together and share ideas and inspiration).
Artist in Residence benefits
£1000 award to support your time and material costs.
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, iPad, Polycam Lidar Scanning Software.
Over the course of the residency the artist will benefit from up to twelve days of support from the Ignite Somerset Creative Technologist. This support can cover, for example: ideas development, technical production assistance, video/sound editing, and curatorial support.