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Submit to Syllabus VIII

SYLLABUS VIII
INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS 


Wysing Arts Centre, Eastside Projects, New Art Exchange, PS2, Spike Island, Studio Voltaire and Site Gallery invite applications from artists for Syllabus VIII.  


Syllabus is a codesigned learning programme in its eighth year, supporting ten artists across ten months.  
Syllabus offers time for artists from across the UK to discuss ideas, work, life and approaches to practice, while building community and taking risks. Syllabus creates an environment of mutual learning and exchange between the artists that is responsive to each cohort. 


Beginning in June 2025, Syllabus VIII will be built around a series of six intensive in-person weekend gatherings and an online programme. The ten selected artists will collaboratively develop the curriculum, with curators and artists from partner organisations, the Syllabus Coordinator, and Syllabus VIII Artist Advisor, Wingshan.  


Artists will benefit from:  

  • The opportunity to rethink individual practices through an intensive programme of in-person gatherings and an online programme, hosted by the partner organisations. 
  • Working together to collaboratively shape and develop a reflexive, experimental, and collective learning experience. 
  • Critical conversations about ideas and work in progress with a supportive, national network of artists, curators and organisations. 
  • Becoming part of a new network of artist peers. 
  • Introductions to, and connections with, arts organisations, communities in cities across the UK and access to new networks, expertise and resources.  
  • Two gatherings at Wysing Arts Centre and gatherings at Eastside Projects, New Art Exchange and PS2. 
  • An online programme. 
  • A gathering with this year’s guest partner, Site Gallery.  
  • Two 1-2-1 mentoring sessions with Syllabus VIII Artist Advisor, Wingshan.   
  • Two 1-2-1 mentoring sessions with a partner organisation. 


To support participation in Syllabus VIII, artists will receive: 

  • A bursary of £1,250 for accommodation and travel. 
  • A £75 budget per artist to support learning on the programme, e.g. books, or exhibition entry fees. 
  • An access budget available upon request.

CONTEXT 

Syllabus offers an alternative learning model where artists can practice together. We organise the programme in a way that is responsive to artist needs, not outcome driven, and encourages deep work.  We hope the programme can be contribute towards a life-affirming sector. 

We are developing the programme to ensure it is as artist-led as possible – this work is ongoing. 

BACKGROUND 

In 2021, Freelands Foundation agreed a landmark £500,000 grant to fund Syllabus as part of its multi-million-pound commitment to support the work of organisations addressing racial inequality in the arts. With this grant, the future of Syllabus is secure for the next chapter.  

Find out more about Freelands Foundation here. 

We relaunched Syllabus in June 2024 with a newly expanded programme, including bursaries for artists, access costs for artists, an online programme, an annual guest partner, robust evaluation and a dedicated Syllabus Coordinator. 

Read about the current cohort Syllabus VII here. 


 

Wysing Arts Centre