Ceramics Residency at Clay Shed

Clay Shed’s Ceramics Residency supports ceramicists, potters and artists who want dedicated time and space to develop a short-term clay project. Designed for makers with experience in ceramics, the residency provides a professional environment for research, experimentation and the creation of new work. Residencies typically last one to three months.

Residents work in our well-resourced communal studio and benefit from:

24/7 access to specialist ceramics facilities and equipment
Personal storage unit (5 shelves, equivalent to 1.7m²)
£50 kiln firing credit for the duration of the residency
Studio orientation and induction for safe, independent use
A monthly one-hour tutorial with an experienced member of our team

Mentoring sessions can include technical guidance, troubleshooting and professional development. Additional support and contextual feedback are available throughout the residency. Many artists use this time to explore new processes, test materials, or develop clay-based projects as part of a cross-disciplinary practice.

Clay Shed is a collaborative and supportive community. Residents are encouraged to engage with other makers and share ideas in the studio. The residency offers a balance of independence and structured support, making it ideal for artists working on a defined project or research enquiry.

Applications are open to artists who are confident working independently in a specialist ceramics studio. We welcome discussions about your proposed project and how it might develop at Clay Shed. Whether you are an experienced ceramicist or an artist developing your pratice with clay, the residency provides the resources and guidance to support your work.

Potter and ceramic artist during an artist residency, using clay at Clay Shed, Bristol

Fees and Duration

The project residency is intended for short term projects for periods of 1 to 3 months. We offer discounted rates for projects lasting more than 1 month.

1 month - £315

2 months - £567 (10% discount equivalent to £283.50pcm)

3 months - £756 (20% discount equivalent to £256pcm)

Payment must be made in full before the start date of your project. A £50 refundable deposit is required to secure the space.

Residency FAQs

The Clay Shed Project Residency provides dedicated studio time for ceramicists, potters and artists to develop a short-term project in a professional and collaborative environment. It is designed for makers with existing experience in clay who can work independently in a ceramics studio.
Residencies typically run 1–3 months, depending on the project. We offer discounted rates for projects longer than one month.
Residencies are open to experienced makers who are confident working independently in a ceramics specialist environment. Applicants should have prior experience with clay and a clear project proposal.
International applicants are welcome, but you must ensure you have the correct documentation to enter and work in the UK. Please note that the residency is studio access only and does not meet the requirements for formal employment in the UK.
Each month includes a one-hour dedicated tutorial session with two experienced members of the Clay Shed team. Residents also receive ongoing technical guidance, advice and contextual support throughout their project.
24/7 access to all communal studio equipment

A personal storage unit with 5 shelves (approx. 1.7 m² per shelf)
Studio orientation and induction
A £50 kiln firing credit for the duration of the project
1 month – £315

2 months – £567 (10% discount, £283.50 per month)

3 months – £756 (20% discount, £256 per month)

Payment is due in full before the start date, and a £50 refundable deposit is required to secure your space.
No. The residency provides studio access only. Residents are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
Submit details of your proposed project and preferred duration; either through the form or send us an email. Clay Shed welcomes discussions to tailor the residency to your idea and ensure the studio can fully support it.