The V&A is inviting applications from UK based and international early – mid career sound artists and artists with an interest in sound who wish to develop their practice through working with the V&A’s Middle Eastern collections, specifically the Iranian, Afghan and/or Central Asian material, and by engaging in the public participatory programmes that the Museum runs. The Residency will be based in the Sackler Centre for arts education at the V&A, and is part of a wider residency programme in partnership with the Exhibition Road Cultural Group (ERCG) – see appendix A. It will take place in London over a six-month period from January – June 2012.
The residency is open to UK-based and international sound artists. It will provide a monthly bursary(taxable) and there is extra budget for materials. A team, drawn from the Museum’s staff and the ERCG membership will provide support throughout the project. The successful candidate will use the resources of the Museum and will also welcome the opportunity to actively work on projects with the public, and present and interpret their work to the public. Applicants should have a track record of development and regular exposure of new work.
The Sackler Centre for arts education at the V&A, has two studios for Museum Residencies to be occupied by artists/ craftspeople/ designers/ writers/ performers/ architects/ film and video makers etc. There are 4 residencies of 6 months (26 weeks) each year. This programme is integral to the philosophy of the Sackler Centre, helping to make it a dynamic, creative space.
 
Eligibility criteria
We are looking for artists whose work is rooted in the exploration and experimentation of sound and sonification. Their background can be in disciplines of sound practices and music, visual art, moving image, literature, textile, composition, performance, live arts etc. We are particularly keen to appoint a range of artists from diverse backgrounds.
Applicants should be dynamic, ambitious and inspiring, pushing forward the boundaries of creative practices. We are looking for applicants who are keen to develop new work and are interested in displaying / installing work in the public spaces in and around Exhibition Road and its member institutions.
 
Proposals must address:

· Suitability of current practice (200 words)
· Innovative ideas for working with the host organisation’s collections/ archives/ resources / research (250 words)
· Ideas for working with the V&A’s visitors through the Learning and Community programmes (200 words).
· Ideas for presenting work in progress at the Supersonix Conference (research papers /participatory activities,   presentation of sound works, performances etc) (200 words)
· Ideas for how this opportunity might support the development of new work and personal career development (250 words)

 
 
To apply
Applicants should apply online at the V&A’s website at www.vam.ac.uk/jobs where you will be asked to submit a current CV / resume and complete an online application form.
In addition to submitting your application on-line, please also attach up to eight examples of your work that you think are relevant to this application, using jpeg images at 70dpi (9 x 12cm (portrait or landscape), 340 x 255 pixels, or small MP3 files. Please use a link to a website for larger sound files. Please provide a description of each example following the outline below:
 

· Title
· Year written
· Relevance to this application

 
Applicants must be available for this project from 9th January – 30 June 2011. The selection process will be carried out by a panel of representatives from the V&A and ERCG. Applicants will be short listed from the images and supporting information and those selected will be invited for interview. Interviews will take place on Thursday, 11th August 2011. Candidates must be available for interview on this date.
If you have any queries regarding the recruitment process, you can email us – hr@vam.ac.uk.