Other Projects

Eligibility: Please see each individual project.

Information

Acme Studios works with individuals and organisations to increase the number and variety of opportunities for artists. Some of these partnerships result in off-off projects, whereas others become part of our established Residency, Awards & Community Programme.

Chelsea Studio Award

Kiki Claxton and Harry Major, two second-year students at Chelsea School of Art, were concerned about the lack of opportunities for recent graduates. They approached numerous organisations to ask for contributions for a prize for graduating artists. Aware of the difficulties graduate artists face, and impressed by Kiki and Harry's proactivity, Acme offered to provide a studio rent-free for six months. In June 2009, a panel comprising artist Lindsay Seers and Acme's Heather Deedman selected Sam Austen as the inaugural recipient of the award. Sam took up his residency in September 2009.

Inspire MA Programme

Acme Studios approached the Royal College of Art Curating Course to explore a collaborative approach of the use of the Acme Project Space which would both benefit the expanding number of artists on Acme awards or residencies, as well as support the aims of this innovative course by providing a platform for these young curators to develop ideas. The students, who are placed at galleries and museums across England, are also supported by a highly experienced and dedicated team of academics and practitioners, including Head of Department Professor Mark Nash and Senior Tutors Clare Carolin and Karen Alexander. The resulting exhibition to be held at the Acme Project Space in June 2010 will represent the first curatorial project of this important MA course.

WASPS Fire Station Residency

Acme has a long relationship with the major artists' studios provider in Scotland, WASPS. As well as sharing expertise and experience, the two organisations have been looking at ways they can work in partnership to directly benefit artists. Acme offered WASPS tenants the opportunity to spend two months rent-free at a work/live unit at the Fire Station in January/February 2010. Moray Hilary was the artist selected by WASPS and we hope this will provide him with the opportunity to make new connections in London and provide a unique creative environment during his stay. 

John Jones Artist in Residence

Acme helped John Jones establish their first artist in residence in February 2009, when Tower Hamlets Studio Residency holder, Jan Hendrickse, became the first recipient of the award. Jan worked alongside staff at John Jones to capture the sounds of the factory and to create new instruments from the available materials. The residency culminated in a performance by Jan and John Jones staff at the Spring Art Party in March 2009.

Sarah Greengrass Memorial Award

Sarah Greengrass died from cancer in August 2004, aged 51. Sarah joined Acme Studios in 1976 as our housing assistant, whilst at the same time continuing to practice as an artist. She left in 2002 when her condition was diagnosed. In 2005, to commemorate her and the support she gave other artists, a grant of £2,000 was made to Kate Broad, one of the artists taking up a five-year work/live residency at the Fire Station. Sarah made an immense contribution to Acme and the award provided support for an artist in economic need at a key stage in her career.