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Applications are now live for our Emerge Creative Studio Graduate Residency Programme 26/27!  

Emerge residencies support Bath Spa University graduates who are ready to take the next step in professionalising their creative practice.

The Emerge residency commences in November 2026 and runs for 11-months. It is open to our BSU Alumni who graduated in 2025 or are due to graduate in 2026 at Undergraduate or Post Graduate level, across disciplines and schools and is designed to give professional career support. We support graduates to take their next steps after graduation, to develop their professional portfolio or practice, freelance activity or business start-up in a supported, multidisciplinary space, alongside established professionals and community creatives through space to work, skills development, access facilities, connections and opportunities.

The residency offers tailored support including:

• one-to-one coaching from our Professional Development Officers
• mentoring from our voluntary team of professional creatives
• access to a wide range of workshops, exhibitions, performances and events

We are here to help you become more confident, forward-thinking, and digitally resourceful. We also know that professionalisation looks different for every creative. You might be a photographer or fine artist seeking gallery representation, a theatre-maker or spoken word poet building a performance portfolio, a ceramicist or textile artist beginning to sell at markets, or a musician, writer, or creative technologist carving out your niche. Whatever your path, we’ll listen to what you need and support you reach your goals.

As a resident, you’ll have free access to meeting rooms, a podcast studio, a gallery space for group and solo exhibitions, Bath Spa University Library, selected facilities at Locksbrook, and the Adobe Creative Suite.

We have a range of spaces available. You can apply for a studio, a fixed desk, or a hotdesking membership. Whichever option you choose, the most valuable part of Emerge is the community itself. A residency here will enable you to connect with fellow creatives, develop compassionate resilience, share ideas, and collaborate across disciplines.

Is Emerge right for me?:

If you are keen to start or continue to develop your professional creative practice, freelance/portfolio career or creative business after graduation in Bath, our Emerge studio residency offer could be a great option for you. Developed through expertise within the Careers and Employability Department, you will be connected more easily to the wider offer as well as our Emerge programme of skills development and events.

Emerge Studio access information:

Emerge is an accessible space, with our main studio based on the lower ground floor. There is lift access to the other floors within the building. Our studios are all open plan in their nature which does mean there is noise between studios which can not always be limited. If you have any access questions or concerns please do make contact at emerge@bathspa.ac.uk

Application deadline: 24 June 2026

Applications can only be accepted through My Career

Alternatively, please email us. We are also happy to arrange a time to come and talk to students: emerge@bathspa.ac.uk

In collaboration with Little Lost Robot, the Re-Emerge residency programme is open to local creatives who want to grow, experiment, and take the next steps in developing their practice.

The six-month residency offers friendly, practical support from our Art Engagement Co-ordinator, plus access to a wide range of workshops, events, exhibitions and performance opportunities.

Whatever your practice – visual art, writing, music, creative technology, or something completely unique – you’re very welcome to apply. We’ll offer a mix of structured opportunities and personalised support to help you work towards your own creative goals.

As a Re-Emerge resident, you’ll have free use of our podcast studio, gallery space and meeting rooms, as well as access to Bath Spa University Library, selected facilities at Locksbrook, and the Adobe Creative Suite.

At the heart of Re-Emerge is community – meeting other creatives, sharing ideas, and collaborating on projects. It’s a space to reconnect with your practice and to meet fellow makers.

For information about when applications open please email emerge@bathspa.ac.uk. 

We know that building a sustainable creative practice doesn’t happen overnight. Our Step-Up residencies are designed to offer continued support for creatives who have completed an Emerge or Re-Emerge programme and are ready for the next stage.

Step-Up provides a bridge between our free residency offers and the realities of professional studio or co-working costs. For a low monthly fee, Step-Up residents can access a studio or desk at Emerge for one year.

During your time on this residency, you are welcome to take part in all the opportunities offered to Emerge and Re-Emerge residents – including workshops, exhibitions, performances and events. You’ll also retain benefits such as access to Bath Spa University Library, the Adobe Creative Suite, and selected facilities at Locksbrook.

While one-to-one coaching isn’t included in the Step-Up offer, you’ll remain part of the supportive community here. This is an opportunity to continue sharing space, ideas and projects with other local creatives as you move forwards in your own practice.

Available to our EMERGE and RE-EMERGE residents only, with applications managed internally.