The Residency Opportunity
This pilot is an initiative designed to foster international collaboration and creative exchange between disabled artists from the UK and China. Through a mix of in-person residencies and digital exchange, up to four disabled artists (two disabled artists based in Scotland and two disabled artists based in Mainland China), will be supported to explore new ideas, deepen their practice, and connect meaningfully with artists, organisations, and audiences in a different cultural context.
The residency program will bring the selected UK and Chinese artists for residencies in Scotland and Hangzhou, with two weeks spent together in each location. We hope that during the in-person residency, artists from both countries can bring their own cultural perspectives to their host communities, engaging with local artists and community through public events, open studios, and other activities. Through their artistic practices, they will foster deeper cultural exchange between the two countries. By having artists from different cultural backgrounds participate in the same residencies across both locations, the program encourages mutual support, enhances communication and understanding, and builds stronger connections among participants. Over the eight-month period, the project will also build in online exchanges as a "virtual residency", allowing continuous sharing and dialogue that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. This process will challenge and expand the artists’ understanding of creative collaboration.
The residency program will be hosted by organisations with a strong commitment to inclusive practice and artistic exploration: Unlimited Allies The Work Room and Magnetic North in Scotland, and By Art Matters in Hangzhou, China. Each setting offers a distinct and inspiring environment for experimentation, reflection, and creative development.
Artist Residency in Scotland (28 July–8 August 2025)
The artists will travel to Scotland to participate in a residency program for two weeks hosted by The Work Room and Magnetic North with support from the Unlimited. During this period, the artists will work closely with the host organizations to explore artistic development through shared practice, mentorship, and public engagements. The resident artists will also have the opportunity to visit Edinburgh, the world's leading festival city, to experience internationally acclaimed creative production.
Informal sharing will be arranged at the end of the UK residency, focusing on process and exploration.
Artist Residency in Hangzhou (22 November-5 December 2025)
The artists will travel to Hangzhou to participate in a residency program for two weeks hosted by BY ART MATTERS. The programme will encourage creatives to explore the distinctive cultural background and potential resources of OōEli and Hangzhou during their residency, deriving inspiration from spontaneous, improvised, experimental, and collaborative encounters. The resident artists will also participate in the Annual Accessibility Arts Festival organised by BY ART MATTERS, where they will share their residency experiences with wider audience and advocate for the inclusive creativity.
A final reflective sharing will be organised, shaped by the artists, host organisation, and residency experience
Online Residency (During July and October)
The resident artists will engage in online exchanges facilitated by the Unlimited, discussing creative concepts and exploring collaborative opportunities.
We are now calling for applications from artists with disabilities based in Mainland China for 2x2 Residency.
OPEN CALL for Disabled Artists in Mainland China
Number of artists invited to the residency
Up to four disabled artists, two disabled artists based in Scotland and two disabled artists based in Mainland China
Key Dates
Applications Open: Tuesday 13 May 2025
Application Deadline: Wednesday 11 June 2025, 07.00（Beijing TIME）
Artists Notified: Week beginning 23 June 2025
Residency Timeline: July to December 2025
| 14-18 July 2025 | Online Residency 1: Estimated 3 sessions, approx. 1 hour each |
| 28 July–8 August 2025 | UK Residency (UK & Chinese Artists) In Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Mid-October 2025 | Online Residency 2: Estimated 4 sessions, approx. 1 hour each |
| 22 November-5 December 2025 | China Residency (UK & Chinese Artists) In Hangzhou, China |
