This pilot is an initiative designed to foster international collaboration and creative exchange between disabled artists from the UK and China. Through a mix of in-person, two-week residencies and digital exchange, up to four disabled artists (two disabled artists based in Scotland and two disabled artists based in Mainland China), will be supported to explore new ideas, deepen their practice, and connect meaningfully with artists, organisations, and audiences in a different cultural context.
Over the eight-month period, the project will also build in online exchanges as a ‘virtual residency’, allowing continuous sharing and dialogue that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. This process will challenge and expand the artists’ understanding of creative collaboration.
Timeline:
- Artist Residency in Scotland with The Work Room and Magnetic North with support from the Unlimited (28 July–8 August 2025)
- Artist Residency in Hangzhou with BY ART MATTERS (22 November-5 December 2025)
- Online Residency (July and October)
The programme welcomes applications from artists interested in combined arts, dance, theatre, and visual arts. This call is for disabled artists and/or creative practitioners based in Mainland China（who currently live and work in China).
Each selected Chinese artist will receive a 4,627 GBP grant to cover an artist fee, per diems (daily expenses), visa and travel documentation costs. Artist will also receive up to 1,000 GBP grant to cover international flights/travel upon receipt of flight booking details. Accommodation and studio/workspace during in-person residencies will be arranged and fully covered by the programme.
Once selected, the organisers will work with each artist to identify and plan for their access requirements.
