Designer

Description:

The Swan has a very special place in public hearts and memories, holding magic and fascination for visitors of all ages. Many people’s recollections of TBM have been shaped by the Silver Swan. Visitors who remember putting a sixpence in the slot to watch it play as children, now bring their grandchildren to see it. Audience research demonstrates the Swan’s enduring appeal as the object that people most come to see and bring others to experience. Its image features in the brand identity of TBM and the town of Barnard Castle has embraced it as an icon, on everything from pavement grates, Christmas lights, to local beers

The residency is open to artists, designers and makers working across the visual or performing arts who have an interest inexploring heritage, museumsand archivescollaboratively and would benefitfrom having the time and space to research and develop their social practice through close engagement with an institutional collection and archive.

This residency opportunity will enable research, makingand professional development between October and December, with support from TBM staff. The selected artist, designer or maker is encouraged to respond to the Silver Swan as a dynamic object, inspired by nature but wholly mechanical. At the heart of so many community and socially-connected memories, the selected artist, designer or maker is encouraged to use this as a starting point to surface ideas and creative responses to develop new work through critically engaging with communities and the heritage object and archival material that is present, particularly exploring stories and voices that might be missing.

During their residency, the artistis encouraged to facilitatecreative interventions and opportunities that sharetheir research and practice with the wider public, particularly children, young peopleand families, through hosting 10 half day opportunities as part of TBM’s Public Programme. The form of theseeventswill be agreed with the artist, designer or maker and receive an additionalfee of £1300 to support this.