Make Space - Open Call

About

Make Space unlocks spaces within arts organisations for artists to set up, test and reflect on their work.

Through Make Space, artists can apply for space in partner organisations for focused periods of time. For the 2026 pilot, our partners are KARST in Plymouth and Spike Island in Bristol.

Many artists in the region either don’t have a studio, or don’t have adequate space to install work in a way which allows them to step back, critically review progress, document work professionally, and invite feedback from peers. Make Space responds directly to the identified needs of our network, and is informed by our Artists and Arts Workers Survey and Creative Conversations hosted by Plymouth Culture.

Please see the individual venue information packs to see what organisations can provide, including the nature of the space, what is possible, what you need to consider and commit to, and the dates that the space is available.

Make Space is designed to support artists whilst recognising the practical limitations organisations face in facilitating access. The initiative is run entirely in-kind by VASW and Make Space partners.

Partners

Make Space is initiated by VASW in collaboration with Plymouth Culture, KARST and Spike Island. The research and development phase was co-funded by Plymouth Culture and Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations in the city.

For the 2026 pilot, VASW has secured funding from Arts Council England to support documentation of installed work, supporting portfolio development and future opportunities.

How to apply

Before applying to Make Space, it is essential that you carefully review the partner information packs (see below) for each organisation to see if the opportunity is relevant and possible for you. In the information packs you can find details of:

• Dates the space is available
• Measurements
• Photos of the space
• Potential uses
• Considerations and restrictions
• Access
• Expectations and support

Available dates at partner venues

KARST, Plymouth, ‘FENSTER’
4-6 November 2026
18-20 November 2026
2-4 December 2026

KARST Plymouth, ‘gallery’
20-22 January 2027
27-29 January 2027

Spike Island, ‘residency space’
23 - 27 Nov 2026
11 - 15 Jan 2027

Partner information packs

Are available via Google via the links below:

KARST

Spike Island

If Google is not accessible for you, please write to info@vasw.org.uk to arrange a digital transfer. Please note we work 1.5 days per week so allow for time to request this if needed.

Eligibility

Make Space is an initiative to support visual artists living in the South West.

It is an in kind initiative without a budget, so we encourage applications from artists within easy travel distance of KARST, Plymouth or Spike Island, Bristol. We hope to expand partnership across the region in subsequent years.

Visual arts practice crosses many disciplines - performance, installation, painting, sound, sculpture - often with relationships to other creative fields (theatre, music, film etc). This opportunity is for artists that primarily categorise their work as contemporary visual arts. If your work is defined more distinctively within other forms of creative practice (theatre, circus, illustration or craft for example), then this is not the right opportunity.

Application form

You can apply for the Make Space opportunity via this short form.

If you would like the form as a word document, please email info@vasw.org.uk. We also accept video submissions.

Deadline for submission: 14th September 2026

Selection

VASW will review all applications with the support of their Steering Group against specified selection criteria. If more than one artist meets the criteria and is matched with a partner, then a randomised software will be used to make a shortlist of ten artists per opportunity. The shortlist will then be given to partners who will make the final decision. VASW is staffed by a part time team and does not have capacity to give individual feedback.

Selection criteria

• Artists are based in South West England
• Artists have a current, contemporary visual arts practice
• Artists are able to operate self-sufficiently
• Artists have a relevant and realistic plan in place for the specified space
• Artists have identified their need clearly
• Artists have their own public liability insurance and take responsibility for their own use of the space
• VASW has identified a lack of opportunities for mid-career artists in the South West and at least 50% of spaces (4) will be allocated to those who identify themselves in this category.