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What is a snorkelling residency?
What is a snorkelling residency?
Since 2021 Argyll Hope Spot’s Snorkelling Artists Residency has been offering artists and communicators the opportunity to explore the marine habitats of Argyll in a unique residency. Having taken part in our programme our artists become champions of Argyll’s marine habitats, and they enable us to bring a range of audiences closer to the incredible world hidden beneath the water. We believe we are the only snorkelling based artists residency in the world.
Throughout the residency you can expect;
Throughout the residency you can expect;
Expert swimming tuition and safety briefings from a local outdoor swimming coach to help you feel safe and confident in the water.
Safety cover from our qualified safety swimmer and experienced snorkel guide.
Guidance and support to help you minimise your impact on habitats whilst snorkelling.
Tuition from experienced marine artists.
Time spent practising observing, sketching and mark-making in the water.
The chance to study marine species and habitats up-close whilst snorkelling and in tanks.
Opportunities to learn about the habitats and species observed from local ecologists.
Opportunities to learn about community-led projects that are restoring and enhancing marine biodiversity.
Insights from Kilchoan Melfort Trust’s Marine Assets Manager
Time/space to collaborate and work out of the water.
An introduction to Gaelic language and culture in the context of Earra-Ghàidheal’s coastal communities past, present and future.
To meet and collaborate with other creative practitioners who are curious about Scotland's marine and coastal habitats.
Lunch, snacks and social dinners.
Even close to shore Argyll's waters offer the chance to see a wide range of marine plants and animals. You’ll meet many colourful species including anemones, starfish, urchins, fish, sponges, soft corals, crustaceans, bivalves, seagrass, seaweeds, kelp and more. From the shore you will encounter seabirds, marine mammals and otters. You might be surprised by the abundance of life only metres from shore. Learn more on our website: argyllhopespot.scot
Ahead of the residency successful artists receive;
Ahead of the residency successful artists receive;
Advice on equipment and suppliers, including borrowing equipment from the Adventure Library, hosted by our partners Adventure Oban.
A briefing call to meet the team and the other residency artists.
A bursary of up to £75 towards the cost of snorkelling equipment.
Prepared content to help you promote Argyll Hope Spot and your time with us.
Following the residency artists receive;
Following the residency artists receive;
Support to continue to develop your work as a marine artist.
Support to develop a group show of works resulting from the residency.
Paid opportunities with Argyll Hope Spot to deliver workshops, exhibitions and more through our Education, Arts and Outreach programmes.
Our residency is offered to around 8 artists each year; often these cohorts form a tight bond through their shared experiences of Argyll's waters. Following the residency we have seen new collaborations form, and our cohorts remain in contact as they support each other's journey in developing their marine-based practice.
Since 2021 over 35 artists have taken part in our Snorkelling Artists Residencies. We continue to work with them to develop their practise and grow as champions for Argyll Hope Spot. To find our more about our alumni artists, please see the Residency archive pages on this site;
“This was one of the most exciting creative experiences I have ever had, immersive in every sense of the word. It's something that I feel has set me off along a new path and I can't wait to see where it will lead.” - 2023 snorkelling artist
“This was one of the most exciting creative experiences I have ever had, immersive in every sense of the word. It's something that I feel has set me off along a new path and I can't wait to see where it will lead.” - 2023 snorkelling artist
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