Who are we looking for?
General Assembly identifies, develops, and showcases exceptional artists through exhibitions in our London gallery and residencies in the Loire Valley. We support practices that are rigorous, historically informed, and conceptually strong—particularly those that interrogate the cultural and visual value of art in contemporary life. We welcome applications from:
● Emerging artists
● International artists not currently represented in the UK
● Artists who would benefit from focused time in a rural setting
● Artists whose work we believe could develop meaningfully toward future exhibitions with General Assembly
Selection Criteria
1. Artistic Potential and Rigor
We look for artists who demonstrate clear potential for development. Applicants should show commitment to conceptually engaged, materially rich, and evolving practices.
2. Relevance to General Assembly’s Vision
We prioritise artists whose practices align with our curatorial ethos—especially those exploring history, cultural meaning, and visual language in original ways.
3. Capacity to Benefit from a Rural Residency
Applicants should articulate how their work or process could be enhanced by time spent in nature, isolation, or open space.
4. International or Underrepresented UK Presence
We are especially interested in supporting artists whose work is not yet widely seen in the UK, offering a platform to expand their audience.
Who reviews applications?
Applications are assessed by General Assembly’s Founder Melanie Ashton and Curatorial Director Robbie von Kampen.
Key Dates
● Applications Open: 10 September 2025
● Applications Close: 15 October 2025
● Decision Notification: On or before 15 November 2025
● Residency Dates: 12–25 April 2026
How do I apply?
Please submit a single PDF document titled with your surname, including:
● A one-page written proposal: What stage are you at in your practice? How would you like to use your time at the residency?
● Your artist bio and statement
● A selection of 5–10 images that represent your current practice
● Your Instagram handle and/or website
Is there an application fee?
Yes, a non-refundable application fee of £30 is required. This includes:
● Application review by our curatorial team
● Consideration for one of three fully funded residencies
● The opportunity to participate in a group exhibition in the Loire Valley
What’s included if I’m selected?
● Two-week residency at Le Moulin de Marnay (12–25 April 2026)
● Accommodation and studio space
● Food and wine
● Use of a manual transmission Fiat 500 for local travel (with valid driver’s license)
● Studio visit and dinner with General Assembly patrons
● Inclusion in a group exhibition in the Loire Valley (Autumn 2026)
What do I need to cover?
● Your transportation to Tours, France
● Travel insurance (required)
What happens if I’m selected?
If invited, you’ll be asked to:
● Confirm your participation by 1 December 2025
● Let us know you’re comfortable with animals (dogs, cats, chickens live at the property) ● Create one work for the residency’s permanent collection
● Collaborate on social media sharing during and after the residency
Can you help with visa applications?
Yes, we can provide a supporting letter. However, we cannot guarantee visa approval. Securing the visa is the responsibility of the applicant.