Applying to become a Fellow

The Digswell Arts Trust ...

selects Fellows by interview.
welcomes all arts or crafts.
provides three year agreements, which may be extended.
provides low cost studios with shared service charges.
encourages Fellows to manage the studios cooperatively.
is always looking for promising and dedicated artists who can get on with others and have an interest in community involvement.

How to become a Fellow

Selection of Fellows is by shortlist and interview and prior to this we encourage potential Fellows to visit the studios and see what is available. Of course we cannot guarantee particular studios. The telephone numbers are 01438 315454 for office at Stevenage and 01438 717765 at Digswell. Please ring before you visit to ensure you can get access. Interviews will take place following national advertisement usually in the Artists Newsletter and in the local press and at art colleges.

Existing Fellows also assist the Trustees, who conduct the interviews. We particularly seek artists whose work to date leads us to believe that the provision of a DAT Fellowship will help them towards an exciting and fulfilling future and that their presence will benefit other DAT fellows. Each selected artist is offered a Fellowship for a period of up to 3 years with a possible extension up to 5 years. The Trust is at present considering its future strategy (see Future Plans) and agreements may be shorter in future and need to be accompanied by action plans.

If you feel you would like to apply for a DAT Fellowship you will find more details of the benefits and responsibilities below. Then please use our mail form. Print out the form or complete it on-line and/or supplement this with your own information so that we have some idea of what you seek.

If you are interested in learning more about the work of the Trust or have specific questions about becoming a Fellow please contact the Administrator.

Selection Criteria for the Appointment of Fellows

1. originality of approach and ideas and a creative imagination.
2. a commitment to becoming a professional artist living from their art
3. a high standard of technical skills in their chosen field - usually through having taken an appropriate training course, probably a relevant University undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
4. an interest in developing relationships with the local community - working with local schools and youth and other community groups
5. an ability to get on with other Fellows and contribute to the well being of the community of artists at the Trust's studios.
6. that they are not yet established as professional artists and are likely to benefit and develop their artistic direction if allocated a studio by the Trust.
7. that their chosen field complements that of other Fellows at either of the Trust's studios so that there is a balance of disciplines at each site and the facilities are fully used.
8. that they have qualities other than their artistic talent to contribute: general energy and enthusiasm, organising and management skills etc which will enhance the operation of the studios and encourage the other Fellows.

What the Trust offers Fellows

• Dedicated studio space (print space at the Forge and the photographic darkroom at the Fairlands Valley Farmhouse are shared)
• Use of all equipment belonging to the Trust (users pay the energy cost of Kiln use)
• Grants towards the cost of exhibiting (Fellows are allocated two grants of £200 during a three year Fellowship; one must be used in the third year). Each grant must have at least equal match funding from elsewhere.
• Grants towards the purchase of equipment. Fellows are allowed to purchase such equipment at the end of their Fellowship at a discount.
• Inclusion in the Open Studio events with attendant publicity
• Entry in the Trust's website (currently being expanded)
• One postcard (1000 copies) with an image of the Fellows work.
• The opportunity to work with a community of other artists
• The opportunity to take part in the Trust's Community projects on a paid basis
• Basic training in using the computers at the Studio sites is also available.

What the Trust expects from Fellows

• To use the Studio Space regularly and productively for work relating to the purpose of their Fellowship.
• To contribute to Trust exhibitions and activities.
• To participate in the informal management and life of the Forge or the Fairlands Valley Farmhouse.
• To ensure that relations with other Fellows are amicable, harmonious and co-operative.
• To pay their contributions to the Trust regularly and to contribute their share of all service charges at their studio.