Resident Artists
Spotlighting outstanding new music in Bristol
A core part of Bristol Beacon’s Talent Development offer, our Resident Artists project helps local artists develop their practice, strengthen their business, and supercharge growth in their music careers.
Designed in collaboration with Bristol’s independent music community, this paid year-long residency gives exceptional music creators aged 25+ the time, space and resource to unlock creative breakthroughs, build long-term vision and increase industry connections.
Each year, we work closely with three mid-career artists whose work reflects Bristol’s rich cultural diversity and pushes the boundaries of genre, identity and sound. Together, we shape the residency around each artist’s ambitions, responding directly to their creative and professional needs.
Applications for 2026/27 are now open. Apply by Mon 27 Jul, 12pm.
I’ve been so grateful to be part of the Bristol Beacon Resident Artists project. Accessing the studio weekly has allowed me valuable time and space to propel my writing and production. The opportunity to share my process with the team has also felt really supportive and 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 music creators at a pivotal point to realise their potential and progress in their career development
- Expand music creator’s profile beyond the city and region by connecting with the wider industry and reaching new audiences
The Resident Artists are based in our Cellars space, which is equipped with writing, rehearsing, and recording facilities, as well as a live performance space.
We want to learn and improve alongside our Resident Artists, so we’d love to welcome applicants who are open to working collaboratively with our team – helping to shape how we support the creative community we’re building for people developing careers within the music industry.
What is provided?
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
- Development grant of £3k towards Resident Artist’s creative and professional development, and the creation and delivery of new music
- Access to studio facilities and performance spaces
- Opportunity and support to test and showcase new work at Bristol Beacon
- Access to Bristol Beacon’s artistic, marketing and production teams
- Personalised development plan and regular 121 progress meetings
- Free access to Bristol Beacon’s events programme
- Association of Independent Music (AIM) Rightsholder Membership for one year (excluding 10% PPL contribution) – Find out more
- Budget to produce a live performance video and end of project diary video
- Ongoing alumni support to access and connect with new opportunities
- Continued studio access when available
- Advice on independent funding applications
Who we’re looking for
We are looking to support artists who:
- Are ready to take the next step in their career, with a clear artistic vision and dedication to realise it
- Are already producing high-quality original work in any music genre or discipline
- Have existing plans firmly centered around the creation of new music and aims to present this in the near future
- Are looking for an opportunity to write new music, experiment with new ideas, develop collaborations, undertake research and development (R&D), or progress works in development
- Have professionally performed live at small to medium sized headline shows, festival slots, medium to large sized support slots, and possibly toured in the UK or abroad
- Have commercially released music or published compositions, with some track record of press, radio or industry recognition
- An understanding of their audience and a clear plan to both grow their fanbase and attract industry attention
- Are at a pivotal stage in their career, where this support can have a significant and lasting impact
- Are committed to building their career in Bristol whilst championing the region’s music scene and advocating for greater investment in the city’s music infrastructure.
- May be underrepresented in the music sector, or faced barriers or challenges to progression within the industry, as well as being committed to promoting inclusion.
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 2026/27 are now open. Apply by Mon 27 Jul, 12pm.
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
- Fri 3 July: Applications open
- Mon 27 July: Applications close at 12pm
- W/c Mon 10 August: Final Selection (applicants informed of decisions with 1 month to give any required notice and make arrangements ahead of starting project)
- W/c Mon 14 Sep: Artist Welcome
- W/c Mon 21 Sep: Project & Studio Induction
- W/c Mon 28 Sep: 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
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 (TXN)
Tlya X An (TXN)
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.
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.
Supported by
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.