Magnetic 2, the second edition of the Franco-UK initiative for a bilateral programme of artists’ residencies, is now welcoming applications from visual artists in NI
19th July, 2023
Magnetic is a network of 8 residencies in France and the United Kingdom that was launched in 2022 under the umbrella of Fluxus Art Projects.
“With over than 250 venues and 250 artists supported in 12 years, Fluxus Art Projects builds a bridge between the French and British visual art scenes. Under the umbrella of Fluxus, Magnetic, the first Franco-British artists residency Programme launched in 2022, wonderfully embodies long-term cooperation between the best of our institions and artists on both sides of the Channel. Magnetic 2, funded on exemplary reciprocity and shared values between French regions and UK nations, opens a path for even more fruitful and solid relations between our two countries. Long life to Magnetic!” (Fluxus Art Projects)
Building on the success of the first edition, Magnetic 2, is continuing and strengthening its residency network on both sides of the Channel and is now open for applications. Magnetic 2 will be partner with eight leading institutions in France and the UK.
This year, to strenghten relations between the institutions accross the Channel, the programme will be based on a tandem partnership between a French region and a UK nation. The artists based in a French region will apply for a residency in a UK nation, and vice versa. Tandems will associate CAPC in Bordeaux/Nouvelle-Aquitaine with Wysing Arts Centre in Cambridge/England, Frac Bretagne in Rennes/Brittany with Aberystwyth Arts Centre/Wales, Frac Grand Large in Dunkirk/Hauts-de-France with Flax Art Studios in Belfast/Northern Ireland, and Villa Arson in Nice/Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur with Cove Park/Scotland.
Magnetic 2 has been designed to foster artistic development through exchange and to enhance sustainable cooperation between the UK and French visual arts scenes in the longer term. The programme is characterised by several strengths. Societal and environmental issues will be at the heart of the programme, with the eight selected artists expected to work in resonance with each specific context –geographical or historical, societal, artistic etc.
Suzanne Lyle, Head of Visual Arts, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added, ““The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to collaborate with the Institut Français du Royaume-Uni, our arts funding colleagues across these islands, British Council, the Institut français and the French Ministry of Culture, in this terrific Franco-UK initiative. This important programme offers a valuable opportunity for visual artists from NI to engage with their counterparts in France with the aim of using the arts to connect, exchange and develop a shared understanding through the creation of new work.”
The level of support for artists is another strength of Magnetic. Artists will receive a threshold monthly fee of 2500 € / £2100, as well as curatorial mentoring. Each two-month residency will be tailor-made in discussion with the institutions’ curatorial teams, providing the artist with networking opportunities throughout their stay. Artists will be provided with accommodation and access to a work space.
Applications are now open and will close on 29 August 2023. To make an application, candidates must submit a CV and a proposal outlining their motivations and intentions in relation to the concerned venue and its context. All applications must be submitted via the Fluxus Art Projects website https://fluxusartprojects.com/apply where additional information regarding the programme and the eight institutions can be found.
The Magnetic 2 laureate artists will be announced mid October 2023 and residencies will start in Autumn 2023.
For further information on all Arts Council NI funding opportunities visit www.artscouncilni-org/funding
Magnetic is a new collaboration conceived by the Institut français du Royaume-Uni and Arts Council England, Arts Council Northern Ireland, Arts Council Wales and Creative Scotland, joined by the British Council, the Institut français and the French Ministry of Culture. Magnetic is produced under the umbrella of Fluxus Arts Projects, a charity founded and run by the Institut and supported by French and UK public partners and private donors. Over the past thirteen years, Fluxus Art Projects has become a marker of notoriety for artists and venues, supporting exhibitions and curatorial research both in France and in the United Kingdom.