Residencies

The successful applicants for the MERZ Funded Residencies 2019-2021 are: Catriona Robertson, Ally Wallace, Ric Kadour, Rhona Jack & Calum Wallace, WET, Julia Zinnbauer.

Self-Funded Residencies are available from November 2019 to mid January 2020 and at various times from Autumn 2020 onwards. Contact hello@merz.gallery for further details.

MERZ occupies the former lemonade factory in Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

The site includes the self-contained Bothy residency, the adjoining 60m sq workshop/gallery, a tool shed and store set around a brick paved yard beside a small wooded area. MERZ offers a quiet setting close to the centre of a small rural town in Upper Nithsdale.

MERZ provides residencies for artists, authors, makers and architects. The Bothy is a flexible living space for two (with a mezzanine for a further two). The workshop/gallery enables artists to make new work and run workshops and seminars. The adjacent A’ the Airts community arts centre offers a fifty seat theatre/cinema with café and can be booked for larger public gatherings.

Sanquhar is on the rail line between Glasgow and Dumfries.

The area has a thriving network of artists, makers and authors. Local schools and community organisations have been engaged in projects at MERZ. MERZ can involve Summerhall TV, who film arts-news clips and documentaries for www.artinscotland.tv, social media and local TV channels in Scotland and abroad.

MERZ is a not for profit centre. Grants are not available and the monthly fee for the workshop/gallery and accommodation (and filming where required) compare favourably with local commercial rates.

MERZ workshop and accommodation is also wheelchair accessible.

Ongoing Self-Funded Residency Program

Type of organisation

  • Artist-run

Residency Conditions

  • Two weeks to two months

Number of Artists resident at one time

  • One, a couple or a small family (maximum four)

Expenses paid by artist

  • Travel
  • Accommodation in Bothy
  • Supplies/materials
  • Food

Application

  • Open call

Selection procedure

  • To achieve a balance of pursuits and local/artistic engagements throughout the year which engage with local artists and/or the community

Description of residency

  • 19th century brick paved former Aerated Water factory
  • Historic rural town in Upper Nithsdale in South West Scotland
  • Domestic Resources
  • Self-contained building
  • Kitchen with fridge/freezer, washing machine, cooker and hob
  • Living and sleeping area
  • WiFi with TV reception
  • Wet room with shower etc

Workshop/Gallery 

  • With toilet, shower and kitchen area for exclusive use of the resident (or otherwise by arrangement)

Other activities happening in the workshop/gallery space

  • None unless by arrangement with the artist