Factory International

Factory International Fellowship

Our Fellowship supports artists at a transitional stage in their career to stretch their practice in different directions

About

The Factory International Fellowship is a unique opportunity for six artists based in the North of England to scale up their ambition by gaining insight into how we make work at Aviva Studios. It’s the first time we’ll open the doors to our world-class building for artists to have exclusive access to our commissions and internal teams. Be part of the first Factory International Fellowship at our new home and be part of a historic and cultural milestone.

Our bespoke programme allows Fellows to explore their practice in our new building with new commissions and international artists making work at scale. As part of the Fellowship programme, successful artists will receive mentoring opportunities, coaching, observational placements, peer-to-peer learning and access to Factory International staff and access to our creative teams as well as monthly meetings with our Creative Director, Kee Hong.

Meet the Fellows alumni

Audrey Albert

Audrey Albert

Yandass Ndlovu

Photograph of a man smiling, looking straight ahead. He has a beard and his shoulders are just visible; he wears a green checked shirt. In the background, advertising posters are visible but out of focus.

Vince Atta

A man with a beard and shaved head smiles towards the camera. He wears a cardigan and striped shirt. In the bottom left hand corner, the Factory International logo is visible.

Raheel Khan

A young man with a beard looks towards the camera. He wears a black hooded jacket and red lanyard. The Factory International logo is visible in the bottom left corner.

Corey Weekes

What to Expect

Factory International 2024 Fellows have the opportunity to:

  • Shadow the making of a Factory International commission and have access to early ideation of MIF25 commissions. We expect individuals to commit around 5-8 weeks from February 2024 – Oct 2024 to the Fellowship programme
  • Develop their professional experience and knowledge – for example of a different art form or different scale of work
  • Receive financial support for time taken to undertake the attachment via a bursary of up to £4,000
  • See shows at Factory International and participate/attend internal meetings around programming, producing, engagement and networking opportunities
  • Be offered a mentor tailored to your specialism and needs, developing artistic ambition and critical thinking
  • Join a cohort of other Fellows and participate in an action learning set
  • Curate one of our active artists spaces (Facebook, Public Programme, Artist Socials, Debate Series)
  • Interact with the Factory International Team with bespoke departmental meetings
  • Access to our Creative Director – Kee Hong Low
  • Join our Fellows’ alumni network

The fellowships will be open to North of England based independent artists and creative practitioners who are at a stage in their career where they would benefit from access to new and international artistic process, environment and experience.

The intention is to support individuals who are at a pivotal point to develop new knowledge, experience, skills and networks. Building on Factory International’s distinct identity and strength as a multi-disciplinary commissioning, Factory International will focus on cross-art form development and experience, inviting candidates to reach outside their comfort zone into new artistic environments that stretch their knowledge and the application of their skills. To be part of a large scale, ambitious and international experience.

Beyond their individual attachments to commissions, Fellows will function as a cohort, supporting and encouraging each other and welcomed into Factory International’s team to share their practice, knowledge and learning as they progress. This included:

  • attending Factory International team meetings, social events, commissions, and briefings with artists with exclusive access to our Factory International team fostering a two-way dialogue and connection;
  • dedicated time with the Factory International producing team offering more in-depth conversation and experience in cross-art form, international, complex commissioning, producing and touring;
  • attendance at key Factory International professional events e.g. Factory International Press Launches, Opening Nights, Public Programme Events and Creative Engagement socials providing opportunities for national and international networking and contact creation;
  • attendance in action set learning meetings and monthly meetings with Factory International’s Artist Development Manager;

As part of the programme, Fellows will be offered an opportunity to share their knowledge and artistic expertise with fellow artists in the region. These events will be curated by the Fellows and can be part of Factory International Socials organised by Creative Engagement or part of the public programme. We will offer Fellows the opportunity to develop their creative practise and thinking by offering an artistic mentor during their time and also observe newer formed commissions stepping into MIF25 Festival.

How to Apply

Applications for 2024 are currently closed.

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