OPEN CALL: Funded 9-Month Studio Space Residency at BACKLIT, Nottingham
Are you an early-career creative struggling to grow your practice without a dedicated workspace? No Jobs in the Arts x BACKLIT, Nottingham is offering one small studio space entirely for free for 9 months to help you experiment and explore new ideas.
Underrepresented artists and creatives living or working close to Nottingham city centre are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. The studio space is located at BACKLIT, Alfred House Ashley Street Alfred House, Nottingham NG3 1JG England.
Key Details
- Support: Coaching sessions available with the No Jobs in the Arts/BACKLIT team.
- The Space: Free 24/7 studio access for 9 months, from July 2026.
- Who it’s for: Early career creatives (individuals or groups/collectives over the age of 18 years).
- Eligibility: Applicants who already have access to a suitable studio space which meets their needs should not apply. We don’t have a single set of criteria for what an early-career creative is: it is up to the creative to decide if taking this opportunity will help their practice development. The opportunity is open only to creatives near living or working near Nottingham.
- Accessibility: Step-free access to the first floor studio at BACKLIT is available via Alfred Street, with street-level entry via a lift. Please note the lift can only be operated with staff assistance. Limited parking spaces are available for those requiring level access. All our toilets are gender-neutral. Unfortunately, none currently have wide-access doors, so wheelchair access may not be possible at this time. Guide and hearing dogs are welcome throughout the building.
How to Apply
Complete the submission form at the bottom of this page. You will need to provide, your name, email, postcode. Additionally, responses will be required to the following questions (max. 50 words per response): tell us about your practice, note how this space will help you, and describe how you will travel to and use the studio.
Alternatively: we also accept a 2-minute video or audio applications instead of text submitted via email.
Interview and Selections Process
Three applicants will be interviewed by a member of No Jobs in the Arts team in Nottingham, location/date TBC, on the week commencing 29th June.
Deadline: Monday 29th June 2026, 11pm
Any Questions? Contact us via email, nojobsinthearts@hotmail.com
About the Partners
No Jobs in the Arts CIC supports emerging creatives and curators who are just starting out in their careers.
www.nojobsinthearts.co.uk/
BACKLIT Gallery (Nottingham) is an artist-led contemporary art space supporting diverse creative practice through exhibitions, learning, and archive development.
backlit.org.uk/