Resident Artists
Supporting outstanding new music in Bristol
Built in collaboration with Bristol’s independent music community, our Resident Artists project is a core part of Bristol Beacon’s wider Talent Development offer, helping local artists evolve their practice and thrive within the creative industries.
Designed to fuel creative breakthroughs and long-term sustainability for mid-career artists, the paid year-long residency supports music creators aged 25 and over with time, space and tailored resources to supercharge their growth.
Each year, three artists are selected through an open call, reflecting the city’s rich cultural diversity and pushing the boundaries of genre identity and sound.
By working together closely, we are are able to shape the offer of our Resident Artists project in direct response to the needs of emerging artists, with each residency including a comprehensive package; from financial grants for music creation, access to our studio and performance spaces, and tailored professional development and mentorship.
I’ve been so grateful to be part of the Bristol Beacon Resident Artists project. Accessing the studio weekly has allowed me such valuable time and space to propel my writing and production. The support from the team to share my process with has also being really encouraging. I am at a pivotal stage of my career now and I would not be this far into my journey without this!”
Holysseus Fly, Bristol Beacon Resident Artist 2024/25
2025/26 Resident Artists
Kayla Painter
Kayla Painter
Kayla Painter is a forward-thinking electronic producer and AV artist who utilises atmospheric soundscapes, real-world field recordings and experimental beats to craft unique and immersive live experiences.
Lady Nade
Lady Nade
Award-winning singer-songwriter Lady Nade uses her warm, soulful voice, elements of folk, roots, pop, jazz and blues, and poignant lyrics that tackle love, loss and wellbeing to weave a rich and emotive tapestry.
Tlya X An
Tlya X An
Renowned for her bombastic, Y2K-inspired sound, arresting visuals and high-octane live shows, alt pop artist and producer Tlya X An (TXN) is carving a distinct space entirely her own within the UK’s underground pop scene.
About the project
The Resident Artist project aims to:
- Support the creation, performance and promotion of outstanding new music in any genre
- Enable the city’s most talented music creators to realise their potential and progress in their career development
- Connect music creators with new audiences, build upon existing fanbase, and expand reach beyond the region
Our Cellars space, complete with writing, rehearsing, and recording studios and live performance space, is where the Resident Artists will be based.
We want to learn alongside our Resident Artists, so we’d love to welcome applicants who are open to collaborating with our team – helping to shape the creative community we’re building for emerging artists and those working in the music industry.
What Resident Artists can expect
Our Resident Artists project will provide three music creators aged over 25 with:
- Participation fee of £2k to cover the cost of any additional expenses incurred
- Access to studio facilities and performance spaces Please refer to our project guidance for more information
- Access to Bristol Beacon’s artistic, marketing and production teams.
- Personalised 360° development plan including long-term strategy advice.
- Development grant of £3k towards:
- Creating or presenting new music (i.e. bring in collaborators such as producers, or session musicians, paying for mixing or mastering, promotional assets)
- Professional development (i.e. advice from professional consultants such as legal experts, music managers, record labels or paying for professional services such as distribution, publicists, pluggers)
- Creative development (i.e. training, purchasing or hiring musical equipment, advice from professional consultants such as producers, engineers)
- Opportunity and support to test and showcase new work at Bristol Beacon.
- Free access to Bristol Beacon’s events programme (concerts / festivals / workshops / conferences / training sessions).
- Ongoing alumni relationship and support to seek further independent opportunities
Who is it for?
We are looking to support artists who:
- Show ambition, strong identity, dedication, and are ready to break through to the next stage of their careers
- Are producing work of high quality, across any music genre and discipline
- Have existing plans firmly centered around the creation and presentation of original and exciting music
- Will be undertaking activities focused around writing new music, experimenting with new approaches, exploring new collaborations, R&D, or developing work in progress
- Have professional experience with live performance through small to medium sized shows, festival slots, support slots, and possibly toured in the UK or played abroad
- Have commercially released records or had compositions published already, and possibly seen some success with press and radio attention received as a result
- Show an understanding of their audience including how they can further engage and grow their fanbase whilst attracting industry attention moving forwards
- Have momentum at this particular point in time and stand to significantly benefit from this type of support and investment which could result in real impact
- Are passionate advocates for artists remaining based in Bristol, the regional music scene, and the need for increased investment in the music infrastructure in Bristol
- Are underrepresented in the music sector, or who face barriers or challenges to progression within the industry
2024/25 Resident Artists
GROVE
GROVE
An intense mix of deep bass and hypnotic beats blending dancehall, punk, pop, and jungle into a sound that’s both personal and political.
Holysseus Fly
Holysseus Fly
Alt pop with soul and electronic influences that combines flamboyant stagecraft and emotional intimacy.
Waldo’s Gift
Waldo’s Gift
A dynamic force in UK experimental jazz with elements of prog-metal and math-rock.
Resident Artist video diaries
Find out how our first cohort of Resident Artists used the support and resources from their residency to power the next stage of their careers – watch their video diaries.
Support for Creatives
Support for Creatives
Professional development opportunities for musicians at every stage in their artistic career.
Be Creative
Be Creative
We believe in the power of music to inspire, teach and transform lives. Learn an instrument, join an ensemble, access artist mentorship opportunities.
About us
About us
Bristol Beacon is a music charity, renowned venue and award-winning music education hub. Find out more about us and our work.