The project has emerged following both the 2016 ‘Casey Review Report’ and the 2018 BBC Panorama programme that labelled Blackburn as one of the most segregated towns in Britain.

The project will select artists and writers/researchers to work in areas of Blackburn that have been identified as “segregated,” in order to interrogate and challenge the stigmas and barriers that the areas face.

All the artwork and research developed through the residencies will feed into a long-term strategy reimaging how the Museum can incorporate and celebrate the new work within its current collections.

Written outputs will be published, so writers with connections to or previous experience publishing in academic journals, newspapers, magazines, books etc are preferable. Writers will spend time in Blackburn, engaging with the project, artists, communities and local area before writing their piece(s).

Commissions are:
1 - October - November at £1500 - at least three written outputs
2 - December - February at £1500 - at least three written outputs
3 - November at £500 - at least one written output
4 - Mid January - Mid February at £500 - at least one written output

Please specify which commission you are most interested in on your application. Four more residencies will be advertised in December for the next phase of the project.

How to Apply: Please apply by sending a letter of application (max 2 pages), outlining: An outline of your interest in the project and initial ideas for your potential approach / A statement detailing your relevant experience / Up to 5 links of relevant past published work / Full CV / Name and contact details of 2 referees

Applications need to be sent to sophieskellern@hotmail.com to arrive no later than 6 September 2019 at 11am. Interviews will take place on the 20th September.