Proposition + Central Saint Martins Graduate Residency
March - April - May 2026
Time Table
Deadline to apply: 15 January 2026
Artist appointment: February 2026
Residency period: March - May 2026
Brief Residency Description
Through artistic innovation and ground-breaking practice, we invite recent Central Saint Martins (CSM) graduates to reimagine our relationship with the living world and explore the potential for positive human impact on biodiversity.
This residency emerges from the shared values of Proposition and Central Saint Martins to foster the development of new thinking and innovative practices to increase biodiversity and create ecological resilience in the process of producing what we need to thrive.
About Proposition
Proposition is an arts and ecology charity based in the UK. We utilise the power of art to instigate new dialogues, collaborations, and innovations to encourage people to reimagine our relationship with the living world. We aim to influence key decision-makers and empower people to make a transformational impact on biodiversity and ecological resilience.
Our work includes an extensive, thought-provoking programme of exhibitions and events, affordable studio spaces for artists, commissions, and partnerships with a diverse range of organisations and communities.
Proposition Bethnal Green is located in the heart of east London, next to a thriving art community. It is home to over 100 diverse artists and creatives.
The Opportunity
Recent graduate students from the MA Art & Science (within 5 years of graduation) are invited to apply to take part in a 3 months residency at Proposition Bethnal Green. The focus of this residency will be to explore the potential for positive human impact on biodiversity and to reimagine human beings' relationship with the living world.
Proposition Bethnal Green will make shared studio space available to the selected applicants during the residency period. The aim of the residency will be to explore specific projects, defined by each applicant working with the Proposition team, and to share their working process and findings with the Proposition Bethnal Green community as well as the wider public.
Residency outcome
The residents will be encouraged to experiment and share their findings with the Proposition community, in order to foster a spirit of collaboration between the residents and the artists and creatives based at Proposition Bethnal Green, fostering opportunities for knowledge exchange.
Residents will be asked to present their project through public programmes talks and workshops that they will devise and run during the residency period at Proposition Bethnal Green. Each event should have a defined audience that they hope to reach and engage.
Residents will also have the opportunity to utilise Proposition’s online and social platforms for wider engagement and experimentation, and will be encouraged to document their journey throughout the residency period.
At the end of the residency, the residents will present the outcome of their residency work at Proposition.
What to expect during the residency period
Residents will have shared use of studio space at Proposition Bethnal Green for the duration of the residency period free of charge. They will be part of our 130-strong community of artists and creatives.
This residency opportunity includes a visit to Wakelyns Agroforestry, where residents will be introduced to and discuss the latest advancements in biodiverse farming and see the pioneering work of Prof. Martin Wolfe first hand.
The selected residents will receive a tutorial from a CSM tutor to provide context for the residency period.
During the residency, the participants will be embedded in the Proposition community of artists and will benefit from professional development support from the Proposition team. The residents will spend time with the Proposition Executive Chairman, Daniel J Hudson, to explore examples and prospects for human beings to increase biodiversity in the process of producing what we need to thrive. An extensive reading list and inspirational material will be provided to residents.
Who should apply?
We are looking to bring up to 3 residents from the MA Art & Science who wish to work with the themes associated with this residency.
This residency will suit individuals who are interested in learning more about human beings’ relationship with the living world, the potential for increasing biodiversity and creating positive change, enjoy working collaboratively, exploring new ideas and sharing their work with a wide range of audiences.
You should apply if you are interested in developing your creative practice in a lively community of artists and creative practitioners and are keen to explore different approaches to ecologically-engaged practice.
How to apply
To apply, please submit the following information by email at apply@propositionstudios.com:
Contact details
Description of your practice and relevant experience (200 words or 2 mins video)
A short text outlining your interests in this residency, thoughts on activity you have in mind to explore in this residency, and what you hope to gain through participating. (500 words or 3 mins video)
Links to social media/website/online portfolio (if available)
Please put CSM Proposition Residency
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
Selection process
Applications will be reviewed by a Jury including Mia Taylor (Course Leader for CSM’s MA Art and Science), Anne Thidemann (Managing Director) Nissa Nishikawa (Head of Programme), and Daniel Hudson (Executive Chairman at Proposition).
Successful applicants will be notified at the end of January 2026 of the outcome of the panel.
Financial information:
Shared studio space at Proposition Bethnal Green will be offered to all residents during the residency period.
Travel to and from Wakelyns farm will be funded.
All other costs (food, art materials, further travel during the residency) are the responsibility of the resident.
Access
Applicants should note that there are access restrictions (no step-free access to studio floors) in the Proposition Bethnal Green building, and in particular to the studios provided for the residency. There are no disabled toilet provisions near the studios. This reflects the nature of the building which is a meanwhile space. Adjustments to the residency format and location will be considered if a selected applicant has physical access requirements.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Proposition, we are dedicated to creating an environment that is nurturing and respectful. We celebrate the rich diversity of voices within our community and believe that art has the power to bring people together and inspire change.
Through continuous learning, active listening, and intentional actions, we strive for openness and inclusivity and pledge to uphold these values in all areas of our work.
For any questions please contact apply@propositionstudios.com
