Residency for Early-Career Artists at Stryx, Birmingham
Application Deadline: 15 September 2026

Stryx invites applications for the next round of our SOUP Residency, a supported opportunity for early-career artists based in the West Midlands. This two-month residency offers space, time, and support to develop your work in the creative heart of Digbeth, Birmingham.

SOUP is designed for artists who thrive in a collaborative studio environment and who are keen to engage with Stryx’s wider community of artists, curators, and audiences. We welcome applicants across disciplines, including (but not limited to): visual art, live art, sound, music, film, movement, and socially engaged practices.

• £1264 residency bursary based on 80 hours paid at Artist Union rates (early-career level)

• Two-month studio residency at Stryx (April and May 2027)

• 24/7 access to large, shared workspace

• Use of AV/darkroom facilities (if applicable)

• Mentoring and curatorial support

• Opportunities to showcase work at three public events:

• Introductory event (Digbeth First Friday)

• Mid-point open studio

• Final showcase (partner gallery solo exhibition)

• Artist-led workshop opportunity

• Solo show at a partner gallery in Black County

SOUP is designed to support artists at the beginning of their professional careers by providing a first significant opportunity to develop and present their work.

This residency is for artists who:

• Are based in the West Midlands.

• Have never had a solo exhibition in a professional gallery or arts venue.

• Have participated in no more than 10 group exhibitions.

• Have either no formal arts education or graduated from an arts course within the last three years.

• Have a project they would like to develop during the residency (new or in progress).

• Be able to commit to working from the Stryx studio for 8 hours per week over the 8-week residency period, during gallery opening hours.
  

• Are interested in sharing their creative process through residency events and public engagement activities.

SOUP aims to increase access to professional opportunities for artists who may face barriers to developing their practice. As part of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, priority will be given to women and people who identify as women. We also warmly encourage applications from artists from communities currently underrepresented in the arts and are committed to making the residency as accessible as possible. If you have any access requirements, please let us know in your application.

Final outcomes are not required, but you must be able to show your progress in a public format during the three planned events.

Please send the following to info@stryxgallery.org with the subject line: SOUPptIX Artist Application

If you have any access needs or questions about the application process, please contact info@stryxgallery.org with the subject line: SOUPptIX Query

Please note: This residency is dependent on successful funding to be confirmed in November 2026