Applications are now open for a refreshed edition of Surface’s annual residency and exhibition project. We invite early- and mid-career creatives (with the exclusion of students*) to take part in a free 4-week residency and 2-week exhibition. This opportunity in an independent contemporary art space aims to support the generation of new visual artwork.
Eight artists will be selected to produce a new body of work for the subsequent exhibition. The residency will take place in our open-plan Project Space, enabling the artists to interact and develop their practice in a stimulating and mutually supportive environment. There will be in-house critical feedback, and opportunities for formal critique sessions with established artists and curators.
The residency will culminate in a one-week exhibition in the Main Gallery. The artists will work with our Project Team, and will be encouraged to participate in all aspects of event management, such as flyer design and copywriting. The final stage in this collective project will see the artists bring together their diverse creative practices in the curation of their exhibition.
Following the shortlisting process, candidates will be invited for an interview. We will be looking for artists whose work is already strong and ambitious, and demonstrates the potential for continued development. SurfRes is open to practitioners of all disciplines, self-identifying as early- or mid- career. Current students are not eligible to apply.
Resident artists will have twenty-four hour access to studio space during the four-week residency, Wi-Fi access, and use of the kitchen area. Selected artists will also have the opportunity to present their work during an artist talk event.
Surface is a gallery located within a historic building. There is no level access and no disabled toilet. Two flights of stairs provide access to the Project Space.
Please note: The galleries' central Nottingham location favours those who can find nearby accommodation or easily commute via public transport to take full advantage of this opportunity. *Recent graduates or current students who anticipate finishing their studies by the time of the residency are encouraged to apply.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/QQKePGGYe5BTmQLL8
Deadline for submissions: Monday 10th August 2026 at 11pm
No Application Fee
Residency: Monday 5th October - Monday 2nd November
Opening Night: Friday 6th November, 6-8pm.
Exhibition: Saturday 7th - 21st November
Artist Talks: Saturday 21st November, 2-4pm.
Where to Find Us:
16 Southwell Road
Nottingham
NG1 1DL
Email: info@surfacegallery.org
Website: www.surfacegallery.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/surfacegallery
Instagram: @surfacegallery
Contact details:
For more details, high-resolution images, or interview opportunities, please contact:
info@surfacegallery.org