Resident Artists
Supporting outstanding new music in Bristol
Bristol Beacon’s talent development programme nurtures and supports future generations of artists and creative industry professionals.
Our Resident Artists project supports three music creators aged over 25, through a paid year-long residency. We give our Resident Artists the time, space and resource to supercharge their development.
The project aims to add impact to existing momentum, nurture growth and sustainability, whilst enabling artists to experiment and explore new creative directions to elevate their careers.
Each year sees us collaborate with three exciting local acts. These artists bring a unique voice and perspective to the Bristol music scene – reflecting the city’s rich and diverse musical landscape. By working together closely we can learn how to best shape our support for the creative community and the development opportunities we provide.
Applications for 2025/26 are now open with a deadline of Thu 31 Jul at 12:00pm.
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
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
If you’re interested in becoming a Bristol Beacon Resident Artist, read the application guidance and information before you start completing the application form.
Applications for 2025/26 are now open with a deadline of Thu 31 Jul at 12:00pm.
Application guidance
Please read the application guidance carefully before you begin your application.
Equal opportunities monitoring form
Please download and complete this form, and upload with your application. This information is for monitoring purposes only, will remain anonymous and will not be viewed alongside your application.
Key dates
- Thu 3 July: Applications open
- Thu 31 Jul: Applications close at 12pm
- W/c Mon 11 Aug: Final Selection (applicants informed of decisions with 1 month to give any required notice and make arrangements ahead of starting project)
- Tue 16 Sep & Thu 25 Sep: Artist Welcome & Introduction
- Thu 2 Oct: Studio Induction
- Oct 2025: Project starts
Ready to apply?
To apply to be one of our Resident Artists, please complete the following application form.
Apply to be a Resident Artist
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.
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.