The Life of Islands Residency

This week long residency will offer artists a space to explore notions of remoteness, connection and identity, at the intersection between land and sea. This residency has a greater focus on exploring ashore than most in Sail Britain’s residency programme, with a focus on inland connections. Together we’ll reflect on islandness with a particular focus on inhabited places. We will make inland visits and actively explore the connections between us as crew using Merlin, the boat, as a metaphor for a community in which we will share our values and ideas. The boat, serving as our island, will bring us together to develop and exchange perspectives.

The residency will be facilitated by artist and musician Laura Copsey, who has collaborated on this residency over the past 7 years. Laura knows the territory well and during the week (weather permitting) we will aim for island connections, explore how experience, heritage and sense of place can inform creative practice.

There are 6 places for this residency Applicants should have an interest in working within a strong team environment in collaboration with other artists, including a willingness to discuss and share ideas, and to work together as a crew. 

Successful applicants will be invited to show work from the residency at Sail Britain's next communty exhibition.

Residency dates: 24th – 30th July 2027

Application Process: We ask applicants to submit a brief project proposal and no more than 5 images (or other supporting documentation such as video, sound etc.) as an emailed PDF with images, and/or links so that we can learn a bit about you, and to ensure that all applicants will get as much as possible out of the programme. Applications should be sent to info[at]sailbritain.org, subject – Life of Islands Residency Application + [your name]

The deadline for applications is Friday 19th February 2027, but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.