Who is eligible for the Supported Residency?

Any neurodivergent artist who would like to participate in TABOR and feels that extra support would be beneficial.

None of the following are hard requirements, and we would like to encourage you to get in touch if you are interested, even if they don’t meet the criteria below. But what we have in mind is a candidate who

• identifies as autistic, ADHD, and/or PDA, 

• has experience with self-directed learning, and maybe has been out of school/in alternative provision for a stretch of time

• is eager to learn and experiment in the field of book arts, considering this as their future career

• has made at least two pieces of book art before (more is better, although quantity does not trump quality) 

• Is 18+ years old and does not hold a formal qualification like a university degree or apprenticeship yet 
• lives in the UK

I already have a qualifying degree, can I still apply?

Possibly. If you feel you would benefit from the additional support offered in this residency, speak with us. We may suggest applying for a regular residency, but we’re happy to discuss your situation.

I am not 18 yet, can I still apply?

If you turn 18 during the residency and think that you would fit all other requirements, please speak with Mel at at gecko community. We will discuss with them whether and how we can get the right safeguarding measures into place. 

I don’t have a diagnosis of autism/ADHD or PDA – can I still apply?

Yes. You don’t need a formal diagnosis, self-diagnosis is valid. If you are identifying as differently neurodivergent than that, or meet all other criteria except this one, please get in touch with Mel at gecko communities to discuss whether they think this is for you. We will follow their judgement.

Is there a deadline for application?

Yes, the main application period is 1st October until 15th November. Any access arrangements have to be requested (including an extended deadline) before 15th of November.

Applications are made through CuratorSpace. You will need to create a free CuratorSpace account and submit the form there.
If filling in long forms is difficult for you, we can support you. We can complete the form with you, or we can enter basic information on your behalf and receive the main details in another format. CuratorSpace still needs a form with your name on it, because they require us to send all decisions through their messaging system.

If you would like to be considered for the supported residency, please get into touch at your earliest convenience. Because we may give that space to a suitable candidate early.

How will a candidate be chosen?

We want this application process to be as accessible as possible; if filling out a questionaire poses a barrier for you, if you would rather speak with us personally than write a text, of if you would prefer to create a video, or if you need an extended application deadline, please do let us know, and we will meet you where it’s best for you.  

To be selected, the work needs to be of high quality, and we will take into account
* who we feel would most benefit from the opportunity
* be the best addition to the group as a whole,
* is able and prepared to stick at it through the whole year.

So these are points you should make in your application.  If you are unsuccessful, you can apply again in the future when/if a new residency is started.

Since we strive to put together a diverse group of artists who work in distinctly different ways, success does not entirely depend on the quality of your application, but also on how your work relates to the work of other applicants. So please don’t view a non-acceptance as a rejection of your work or a judgement on you as a (book) artist.