Summary
This spring and summer of 2024, Bardsey Island Trust is offering Artist in Residence opportunities on Enlli. We are seeking emerging and established artists from any discipline with a connection to Gwynedd, north Wales. Their work must respond to the Welsh language, culture, ecology, environment, or historical heritage of Gwynedd or Ynys Enlli. Selected artists will be invited to spend up to 4 weeks on the island, in self-catering accommodation with a studio.
DEADLINE 29th February 2024.
For an application pack, or If you have any questions before making an application, please get in touch. celfenlli@gmail.com
Ynys Enlli
Bardsey Island, the island of 20,000 saints, is rich in wildlife, cultural history, and natural beauty. Located 3 km from the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, north Wales, the island is 2.5 km long and 1 km wide, with Mynydd Enlli reaching a height of 167m. In 2023, it was designated the first Dark Sky Sanctuary in Europe. On the island, there are 12 short-term holiday rentals, Capel Enlli (chapel); Tŷ Pellaf: a cafe and shop selling fresh eggs, crabs and lobsters and providing drinks; the remains of the thirteenth-century abbey; a colony of approximately 200 Atlantic grey seals; the Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory, and a working farm. More information here: www.bardsey.org
Residency details
Emerging Artists - We are offering two fully funded opportunities, including self-catering accommodation, boat travel, and a studio. Artists are expected to fund their own sustenance and material costs.
Established Artists - Accommodation, boat travel, and a studio are provided; however, we expect the artists to fund their sustenance and materials and make a contribution of £200 per week towards the residency cost.
Access - There is only one boat serving the island, and booking is required for arrival; it can be cancelled last minute in adverse weather. It is suggested you stay on the island for the duration of the residency. You must bring all your food, personal belongings, and materials with you. The Island Manager will be available for advice and planning.
Duration - You may apply for 1 - 4 week residency periods between 1 April 1 2024 and 30 September, 2024.
Conditions - Ynys Enlli is remote and exposed; working conditions can be challenging. Adequate protective clothing for the elements is essential.
Accommodation - Artists will be staying in Llofft Nant, an open-plan space with an upstairs bedroom. Images HERE - Please make a note if you have access requirements; we hope to accommodate as best we can.
Connectivity - There is no guest WiFi on the island; however, you may pick up a 4G and 5G signal in some parts of the island.
Collaborative Residencies - Collaboration is encouraged; if you would like to apply with another artist, please make a note of this in your application. The accommodation provided has two single beds in a shared twin bedroom.
For more information on staying on Ynys Enlli, follow this link: https://www.bardsey.org/essential-information
Artists’ Requirements
- Artists must have a connection to Gwynedd - live, work, were born, have family heritage or are working on a Gwynedd-based project.
- Artists will be required to arrange any necessary insurance for the residence.
- Workshops - Artists are required to deliver one workshop a week throughout their stay on the island; the project coordinator is available for mentoring on this. Workshops are usually well attended and you may charge, this can provide funding for artists while on the residency.
- We are accepting applications from artists working in any medium.
- Artists may be at any level in their career.
- Artists must understand the special designations of the island and respect the wildlife, ecology, and heritage.
Showcasing
Artists will own the work, and there will be an opportunity to exhibit work on the island over the summer and showcase it on the website and social media. There will be an opportunity to exhibit or perform their work in the studio / shop / school or within the gardens / courtyards on the island.
Application
If you have any questions prior to making an application, please get in touch.
Please send the following to celfenlli@gmail.com
- A completed application document.
- Recent CV - Detailing performances, exhibitions, workshops, or residencies.
- Document with up to 5 images, video links, recordings, or documentation of work
- If preferred, you have the right to submit answers to the application as an audio recording or video.