What is a Digswell Arts Trust Fellow?
Digswell Arts Fellowship gives artists the space, time and support to develop their practice within a working creative community.
Based at The Forge in Digswell, Hertfordshire, Fellows have an affordable, dedicated studio alongside opportunities to exchange ideas, share skills and take part in exhibitions and community activities.
Fellowship supports artists as they strengthen their work, build professional relationships and develop a sustainable creative practice. Fellows also contribute to the shared life of the studios and the Trust’s charitable activities.
What are we looking for in a Fellow?
We look for artists and makers who demonstrate originality, commitment to developing their practice and a willingness to contribute to a shared creative community.
Selection considers the applicant’s work, their need for studio space and support, how Fellowship could benefit their development, and what they would bring to the community at The Forge.
Amazing workshops
Trustees and Advisors
Amazing fellows
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Fellowship?
How do you select Fellows?
- Fellows are selected on the basis of need, their work, and their value to the community they join.
- Fellows are typically committed artists and craftsmen often University educated with the ambition to emerge as professionals and masters of their craft and the need for Fellowship with Digswell Arts to achieve this.
- Potential Fellows who already work in the local community and therefore support the Trust’s second object will be at an advantage in the selection process.
How do I apply to be a Fellow or Print Member?
Applicants complete an application form and are invited to present their work during a short, friendly interview with a selection panel comprising Fellows and Trustees. The selection criteria emphasise originality of work, commitment to becoming a professional artist and likelihood to benefit from becoming a Digswell Fellow (or Print Member).
What is expected of a Fellow?
- Fellows are expected to play a full part in the ‘life of the studio’ especially in events organised as part of our obligations to the local community.
- Fellowship is only given to emerging artists who value the opportunity to work with others and are prepared to ‘pull their weight’ in running the studio, this includes taking on at least one Rep Role during their fellowship such as web rep, events rep, maintenance rep etc.
- Fellows must follow the studio rules and health and safety policies of the Trust.
- Fellows must promote the Trust through their activities whilst a Fellow and exemplify the values of the Trust externally.
- Fellows will attend reviews at intervals determined by Digswell Arts, which will be used as a means for the Trust to see the commitment made by the fellow to the organisation, including participation in the running of the studios and open events. Reviews may also be used to determine continuation or termination of fellowship.
- See Summary of Core Fellowship Requirements for full details.
What is the cost of Fellowship or becoming a Print Member?
- Most Fellows pay their ‘Fellowship contribution’ of £175 per month. This very low rate can only be maintained providing all Fellows pay on time by standing order. Digswell Arts makes no profits and all surpluses are reinvested to the benefit of its objects. Fellows who fail to pay their contributions are asked to leave.
- Print Members (who are not fellows and do not have a studio) pay £50 per month for one day a week open access to the print room. They must also attend an induction (to be paid for) before using the print facilities.
Can I take a break from fellowship?
How is fellowship terminated?
Other than a studio what other benefit might I get as a Fellow?
Fellowship offers opportunities to learn from other artists, exchange ideas and participate in Open Studios, exhibitions and community projects.
Fellows can also explore opportunities to share their skills through workshops and other activities, with the Trust’s agreement. Development activities and external opportunities are shared as they become available.
Access to the printmaking facilities at The Forge is subject to the relevant induction, safety requirements and agreed arrangements.
What is the benefit of becoming a Print Member?
- Print members apply and are interviewed in the same way as Fellows.
- Print members are not offered a studio but membership entitles artists to work independently in the Print workshop for a day each week and store equipment/materials on site in a lockable cupboard and plan chest drawer. Members are also invited to take part in Digswell Arts events such as Open Studios, group exhibitions, art critiques and meetings.
- A print member will need to be proficient in their chosen discipline and adopt good studio practice, as members share responsibility for the care and maintenance of the print workshop and equipment.
- Prospective print members, new to the studio, would need to attend an open access sessions to undertake an induction into the workshop procedures and facilities before commencing their Print Membership.
How does Digswell Trust operate?
Digswell Arts Trust is a registered charity based at The Forge in Digswell. It has supported artists and promoted engagement with the arts since 1957.
A volunteer Board of Trustees oversees the Trust’s direction, finances and charitable responsibilities. The coordinator supports administration and communication, while Fellows contribute to the day-to-day life and care of the studios.
Trustees, Fellows and Print Members work together to support artistic development, maintain a welcoming creative community and contribute to the Trust’s educational and public activities.
How to become a Fellow and Print Member
How to become a Fellow
Applications are assessed through shortlisting and interview. Applicants are asked to provide examples of their work and explain how they would benefit from, and contribute to, the Digswell Arts community.
Please check the application page for current availability and submission requirements.
Digswell Arts Print-Makers Group
Print Membership is for experienced printmakers who want regular access to the shared printmaking facilities at The Forge without taking on an individual studio.
Membership provides an agreed day each week in the Print Room, allocated storage and opportunities to participate in the Digswell Arts community. Members share responsibility for looking after the workspace and equipment.
Before working independently, members must complete the required studio and equipment induction.
If you would like to visit through Open Access before applying, first-time users must book a Supervised Session, which includes technical support and a health and safety induction. Contact us to discuss the appropriate arrangements.
To ensure that we maintain and fulfill our charitable objectives we require a reasonable commitment and input from our artists, designers and makers – all the work we do and the future development of Digswell Arts Trust is designed to benefit creative practice and to help artists in their careers.
Digswell Arts Trust is set up as an arts and educational Charity. We provide studios, workshops and educational activities. We try to prioritise applicants who we think will be actively involved and therefore get the most out of the Trust.
Things that you must agree to:
- Active use of studio space, minimum of 2 days per week
- Participate in Open Studios
- Be part of the working community
- Have a profile and portfolio on Digswell Arts Trust website and make regular contributions (at least three a year)
- Promote the Trust in marketing material
- Take on Rep Roles during the period of Fellowship
- Support the educational objectives of the Trust
- Participate in Digswell’s annual Development Day
- Be fully compliant with Digswell’s Health and Safety Policy
- Maintain public areas of studio buildings
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Studios
