The Yorkshire Artspace Starter Studio Programme for Ceramicists is now entering its 3rd year. This year we have places for up to 3 early-career, ambitious and dedicated makers from October 2012 onwards for a maximum of 2 years. Successful applicants will have 24/7 access to a fully equipped shared ceramics workshop at our new eco-designed Manor Oaks Studios situated approximately 2km from Sheffield City Centre. Each starter will also benefit from our tailored business start up course , mentor support from our team of established ceramicists including our artist in residence (this year Edith Garcia), exhibition and paid-work opportunities. 

We are very excited to have been selected for the Crafts Council's HotHouse 2013 programme.  Yorkshire Artspace will be part of a Northern cohort that also includes the Bluecoat Display Centre in Liverpool.  Equally pleased are we to announce the imminent launch of the new 'Made North' gallery at Persistence Works, managed by the director of Culture North Patrick Murphy.  We hope that as many of our starter artists as possible will benefit from these new partnerships.

Visits from potential applicants can be arranged.  Please email mir@artspace.org.uk or phone 0114 2130111.

Further details and our application form are available from our website. Deadline for applications: Friday 13th July /Start date: early October 2012.

Some Background on the Programme

The programme’s funders and supporters are very proud of the new studios which are part of a heritage and visitor attraction site, developed over the last 12 years by our partner organisation Green Estate. Studio 4 is now a fully equipped space with kiln, test kiln, wheel, spraybooth and spraygun and several workbenches and display cases. It is suitable for up to four early career ceramicists.  

Yorkshire Artspace runs an annual residency programme for more established ceramicists. In 2011 we worked with Edinburgh based ceramicist Frances Priest and this year we are working with ceramicist Edith Garcia. The resident artist is offered time, space and money to develop their ideas and create new work over the course of one year. They also freely share their knowledge and skills with the starters on our programme.

Apart from the eco-designed studios with green roofs, economical underfloor heating and a living green wall, this former deerpark now houses the new Discovery Centre - linked to the significant Tudor remains located here - a Farm Shop Cafe which uses local produce, and a Nature Garden. A small team of Yorkshire Artspace ceramicists have just completed the building of a (smokeless) woodfired kiln with access to basic classroom facilities from which workshops may be run. Recently a replica Roman Kiln was built by students from the experimental archaeology course at University of Sheffield, under guidance of professor Roger Doonan. The next year or so a heritage craft skills centre will be added to complete the building programme.

Green Estate organises a series of well attended events such as the annual flower and food festivals where you will have the opportunity to open the studio to sell work, demonstrate skills or run workshops for the visiting public.

Yorkshire Artspace - Manor Oaks Studios are located at 389 Manor Lane, Sheffield, S2 1UL

This programme has received support from Arts Council England, Foyle Foundation and Radcliffe Trust