Artist in Residence
One of our key aims is to give support to emerging artists to refine their work and take creative risks.
Supporting local, emerging artists to develop their practice
Our artist in residence (AiR) scheme was launched in the spring of 2019 to help local artists find the space and time to develop their practice.
Each artist is with us for 3-6 months and is encouraged to create work that engages with our community. Some artists have held performances or hosted workshops, whilst others have worked with specific community groups or used the time to develop professionally.
We seek out artists who are working to engage our community through radical and inspiring work. We are particularly interested in local artists who are underrepresented in the sector, and artists who have a socially engaged practice.
In the autumn, we will be seeking applications for artists to join us in 2026. Check back for info then.
Shahena Begum
Our 12th Artist in Residence is Shahena Begum, an illustrative artist based in Bethnal Green who draws inspiration from the architecture of Tower Hamlets.
Watch this space as Shahena develops her practice!
January-March 2025
Sophie Lincoln
Our 9th Artist In Residence was Sophie Lincoln - a local costume designer and maker. Sophie using our first extended 6 month-residency to celebrate wearable art creations using found materials, and immersed herself within the SMH community to bring about community creativity.
July-December 2023
Marianne Habeshaw
Our 8th Artist In Residence was Marianne Habeshaw - a community based poet who wanted to expand her practice through the residency period
April-June 2023
Nina Scott & Dan De la Motte
Our 7th Residency, for the first time, was host to TWO artists - Dan and Nina! Funded by Arts Council England, the pair brought their 6 month Research & Development project ‘Be More Mushroom’ to St Margaret’s House.
October 2022 - March 2023