The Hugo Burge Foundation is delighted to announce that we are accepting applications for three emerging silversmiths to join the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop.
Successful applicants will be provided with a fully funded (free) workbench in the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop for 12 months with the option to extend for a further 12 months with the agreement of HBF. In addition, HBF can offer affordable accommodation on-site or nearby.
The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop houses a wide range of silversmithing equipment, including a large inventory of tools, machinery and books donated by the late Master silversmith Graham Stewart, which is all available for use by the Springboard tenants. The workshop is provided with all heating and electricity included and is accessible 24/7. From summer 2025 HBF will offer a silver loan scheme to all springboard tenants via an account with Argex.
Masterclasses are provided and funded each year by HBF (min four sessions) with experienced silversmiths who visit and stay onsite. Previous masterclasses have been provided by Abigail Brown, Rod Kelly, Brett Payne, Simone Ten Hompel, Gordon Hamme and Bryony Knox.
Springboard silversmiths will join the larger creative community at the Hugo Burge Foundation, which includes potters, illustrators, weavers, chair-makers, sculptors and artists visiting on our monthly residencies. A regular Artists' Lunch is hosted each month, fully catered, as a way of encouraging community and collaboration between the artists, makers and staff team onsite. Springboard tenants are expected to contribute to this community during their time here, participating in Open Studios and social events, and offering talks or workshops where appropriate.
To apply, silversmiths must have at least three years of experience post-graduation of a degree programme or equivalent experience. Given the workshop facilities, the panel will prioritise silversmiths over makers who have jewellery as their main output.
Timeline:
Please submit the application below by June 30th, 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in July 2025.
Successful applicants will be notified in late July or early August 2025.
Successful candidates will be able to take up their tenancy at a mutually convenient date between 1 August 2025 and 1st April 2026.
Our springboard tenancies last 12 months, with a possibility of extending by a further year subject to availability.
Residency Dates: Thu August 14th to Thu September 11th, 2025
This is a residency that is aimed at creators who focus on art as a means of community engagement. We welcome applications from artists working in any field, discipline, or medium.
This residency will lead up to our Open Studios which are taking place September 6th and 7th where we welcome over 600 people to visit our campus. We would support the artist in creating an exhibition, project, performance, or any other means of engaging with the visitors during this event. In addition, we would work with the artist to create any other forms of public engagement they might desire during their time with us, including offering workshop space, aiding in outreach, arranging travel, etc.
This is a fully funded residency that includes exclusive studio space, accommodation in one of our Hobbit Pods, and a weekly stipend of £350.
You will be able to spend time with other artists and makers on site, along with another visiting artist also on residency. Our Creative Director, Dr James Fox will provide mentorship during your stay.
Application Timeline:
Deadline: May 9th
Panel: Week of May 19th
Decision: By May 23rd
Residency Dates: Thurs August 14th to Thurs September 11th, 2025
This is a residency aimed at a spoken word performer or a storyteller who is looking for a tranquil environment to develop their craft.
This is a fully funded residency that includes exclusive studio space in our Tower Studio, accommodation in one of our Hobbit Pods, and a weekly stipend of £350.
The residency will take place during a month when we host our Open Studios, a weekend event where we welcome over 600 visitors. The successful applicant will have the chance to perform their work during this weekend.
You will be able to spend time with other visual artists and makers on site, along with another visiting artist also on residency. Our Creative Director, Dr James Fox will provide mentorship during your stay.
Application Timeline:
Deadline: May 9th
Panel: Week of May 19th
Decision: By May 23rd
Residency Dates: Wed Sept 17th to Wed Oct 15th, 2025
This is a residency for an established author or non-fiction writer. We allow applicants to decide if they consider themselves established but suggest that the author has been published more than once.
This is a fully funded residency that includes exclusive studio space, accomodation in one of our Hobbit Pods, and a weekly stipend of £350.
There are no expectations about what you will use the residency for but we would expect the selected artist to conduct at least one public event such as a creative workshop (for adult participants), a talk, demonstration, performance or educational activity.
You will be able to spend time with other visual artists and makers on site, along with another visiting artist also on residency. Our Creative Director, Dr James Fox will provide mentorship during your stay.
Application Timeline:
Deadline: June 13th
Panel: Week of June 23rd
Decision: By June 27th
Residency Dates: Wed Sept 17th to Wed Oct 15th, 2025
This residency is for a local visual artist who is within commuting distance of the Hugo Burge Foundation who is not looking for accommodation but rather a free studio space, a stipend, and support from Charles Poulsen.
This residency is named in honour of Charlie Poulsen’s ‘Skyboat,’ a living sculpture that is located on-site at our Creative Spaces. ‘Skyboat’ comprises a boat supported by an oak frame under which living trees are growing. In time, the trees will grow to support the boat without the frame, leaving the boat to ‘float’ in the trees. The resident will have the opportunity to meet with Charlie and discuss his practice.
There are no expectations about what you will use the residency for but we would hope the selected artist will conduct at least one public event such as a creative workshop (for adult participants), a talk, demonstration, performance or educational activity.
You will be able to spend time with other visual artists and makers on site, along with another visiting artist also on residency. Charlie Poulsen and our Creative Director, Dr James Fox will provide mentorship during your stay.
Application Timeline:
Deadline: June 13th
Panel: Week of June 23rd
Decision: By June 27th
Residency Dates: Wed Sept 17th to Wed Oct 15th, 2025
We are looking for a silversmith (minimum 3+ years experience/post graduation) to join us for a fully-funded silversmithing residency.
This residency includes access to the Marchmont Silversmith workshop with a private bench, accommodation onsite, and a weekly stipend of £350.
We are open to both experienced and emerging silversmiths. If the successful applicant is established (8+ years experience post graduation), they will be given the option to provide up to four days of teaching with the current silversmith tenants. The teaching will be paid at our usual artist day rate of £279.
During their time with us, the visiting resident will also be joining the community of emerging silversmiths who are supported by The Marchmont Silversmithing workshop as well as other makers and creators on-site.
The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop is a state-of-the-art silversmithing workshop on our Marchmont campus supported by a generous donation of tools, machinery and books by the late Master silversmith Graham Stewart. The workshop supports three early career silversmiths to launch their businesses over a two-year tenancy, with guidance from an experienced mentor. The workshop also provides shorter residencies for British and international silversmiths to develop new work and participate in cultural exchange.
Application Timeline:
Deadline: June 13th
Panel: Week of June 23rd
Decision: By June 27th
Residency Dates: Mon Oct 20th to Wed Nov 19th, 2025
This is a residency aimed at artists who primarily focuses on digital art. Digital artists of all backgrounds and experience levels are invited to apply to spend dedicated time creating, experimenting, and evolving their artistic practices in a tranquil and inspiring environment.
The successful applicant will be provided with studio space, on-site accommodation in one of our Hobbit Pods, and a weekly stipend of £350.
There are no expectations about what you will use the residency for but we hope the selected artist will conduct at least one public event such as a creative workshop, a talk, demonstration, performance or educational activity.
You will be able to spend time with other visual artists and makers on site, along with another visiting artist also on residency. Our Creative Director, Dr James Fox will provide mentorship during your stay.
Application Timeline:
Deadline: July 18th
Panel: Week of July 28th
Decision: By August 1st