CLUSTER ILLUSTRATION
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

2026

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

A Home from Home in London

The Cluster Illustration Residency seeks to offer an artist a life-changing opportunity to kickstart their practice in London, and to equip them with everything that they could need to develop an exhibition or project in this international art hub. The residency will last 4 weeks, and will include transportation to London, meals, equipment and materials, accommodation, and a private workspace in East London.

The artist will be hosted in a private studio located in Zone 2, just a few minutes’ walk from Bow Church Station, containing a workspace, bedroom, two bathrooms, a kitchen, private outdoor area, and access to a communal rooftop terrace. Benefiting from high ceilings and natural light, the studio will be supplied with equipment that caters to each artist’s specific needs, such as computer, paper, materials, softwares and more.

Bespoke Mentorship

The Cluster Illustration Artist-in-Residency Programme offers a bespoke four-week mentorship tailored to each artist's career trajectory and aspirations. Participants engage in daily one-on-one sessions with a diverse array of professionals - including industry leaders, collectors, makers - online, in person or within their private East London studio.

A Solo Exhibition

A highlight of the programme is the opportunity to present a solo exhibition at a central London gallery space, offering residents an impactful platform to showcase their work. Participants also gain the opportunity to be exhibiting at Cluster fairs, enhancing their visibility and helping them cultivate valuable connections within the creative industry.

Outside Studio Facilities

Beyond the primary studio, artists will have access to additional facilities through our network of partners. These may include:
- A fully equipped workshop
- Other specialised spaces based on the artist’s project requirements

Equipment Support

Cluster will provide:
- Project-specific tools and gear
- Equipment tailored to the artist’s proposal and production needs

Artist Rights & Terms Overview

Post-Residency Opportunities & Credit

Cluster is committed to protecting the rights and creative ownership of all participating artists. Below is a summary of the key terms:

Copyright
All artists retain full copyright of the work produced during the residency. Cluster does not claim any ownership. We will request non-exclusive permission to use selected images for promotional purposes directly related to the residency (e.g., website, press, social media) and to maintain a digital archive of the residency outcomes.
Sales & Ownership
Artists receive 70% of any sales made during the final solo exhibition, which is curated and produced by Cluster. The remaining 30% supports exhibition costs and platform sustainability. All unsold work remains the sole property of the artist following the exhibition.
Formal Agreement
All artists will receive a written contract clearly outlining rights, responsibilities, sales terms, and copyright protection. This ensures transparency, professionalism, and security for all parties involved.

Language Requirements
The residency is conducted entirely in English. Applicants must have a strong command of both spoken and written English to fully engage with the programme.

Visa Support
Cluster offers full assistance with visa applications and documentation to ensure a smooth arrival for international artists.

Medium/Discipline
This is an illustration-making-focused residency.

Apply and Join Us

Cluster welcomes applications from artists from anywhere around the world, at any stage of their career, and of any age or nationality, who actively engage with contemporary societal issues and global themes through their creative practice.

Application Guidelines | APPLY HERE NOW

Biography (100 words)
Artist Statement (200 words)
Objectives and Goals for the Residency (200 words)
Portfolio Submission

Artist-In-Residence Selection Process / Timeline

Applications are reviewed independently by the jury, with each submission scored from 1 to 10. The five highest-scoring artists are shortlisted for 15-minute interviews with the jury panel and the Cluster team. Following the interviews, jurors, partners, sponsors, and the Cluster team cast anonymous votes to select the final resident.

The selected artist will be contacted the day after the interviews to confirm their participation and finalise dates and details, with scheduling tailored as closely as possible to their availability. The residency will take place in 2026 or 2027.

ADDITIONALLY

In addition, the Cluster team will select 25 artists from the full pool of applicants to be featured across Cluster’s online platforms and special editorial showcases.

Post-Residency Opportunities & Credit

1.1 If an opportunity arises as a direct result of the Cluster residency or final exhibition - such as additional solo exhibitions, sales, commissions, or professional collaborations- Cluster requests appropriate credit and visibility wherever possible (e.g., in marketing materials, catalogues, press, or public statements).

1.2 In the event that further opportunities occur where public crediting is not feasible (e.g., due to gallery policy or institutional constraints), and the new opportunity involves the exhibition or sale of works produced during the residency, Cluster reserves the right to enter into a fair commission agreement with the Artist. This would be discussed and negotiated on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of mutual benefit and respect for the Artist’s success.

1.3 Cluster will remain flexible and artist-first in its approach, with all terms guided by transparency, conversation, and shared interest. The primary aim is to support the Artist's long-term trajectory while acknowledging Cluster's contribution to the development and exposure of the work.

1.4 If the Artist is invited to produce new work as a result of connections or introductions facilitated through Cluster, all we request is a clear mention of the Cluster Artist-in-Residence programme in any public or professional context where relevant.

APPLY HERE