Triptych: Body, Land & Lens Residency and Commission
IOU50 invites three artists working in body-based performance, durational practice, movement and/or land art to create new performance-to-camera or film works
CLOSED
As part of IOU’s 50th anniversary programme, this commission invites three artists working in body-based performance, durational practice, movement and/or land art to create new performance-to-camera or film works in collaboration with MA Cinematography students at Leeds Beckett University.
The commissioned artists will take inspiration from IOU’s 50-year archive of live performance, film-making, sculptural practice and unique approach to image making, alongside histories of performance artists working with bodies in landscape, and land artists making interventions into nature.
The three selected artists will undertake a one-week residency in June 2026, staying at the IOU Hostel in Hebden Bridge, with studio and making space at the IOU Creation Centre in Halifax.
There will also be opportunities to visit regional sites of interest via guided walks and tours, encouraging collaborative dialogue and reflection whilst spending time in nature.
Whilst each film will be different, artists will be required to work together collaboratively to agree shared parameters, enabling the works to be presented collectively as a cohesive triptych. This may include shared duration, themes, materials, sound, or presentation approaches. Artists and film-makers will support one another in making the work, acting as outside eyes where appropriate.
The opportunity is open to UK and international artists at any career stage.
What the Commission Offers:
One-week residency at IOU Hostel, Hebden Bridge
• Accommodation and catering provided during residency week
• Studio, rehearsal, and workshop access at IOU Creation Centre, Halifax
• Site visits across Calderdale and Yorkshire Sculpture Park
• Structured peer exchange between the three commissioned artists
Collaboration with fellow artists and MA Cinematography students at Leeds Beckett University.
• Individual and group mentoring with IOU’s creative team, university staff, commission partners, and invited guest artists.
• Technical filming and editing support from MA Cinematography students.
• Opportunities to develop collaborative approaches to presentation and filming
Artist stipend: £750 fee (per artist).
• Travel and expenses contribution: Individual travel / expenses budget of up to £300 (per artist).
• Material budget: Individual materials budget of up to £250 (per artist).
• Production budget: IOU will cover the costs of mounting and marketing the final presentation.
• Film-making budget: Film-making tech and equipment costs covered by our university partner.
• Accommodation and catering provided during residency week, with further stays negotiable
Contribution to IOU’s Ecology and Ecosystems Symposium (Wed 15th July 2026).
• Group critical feedback sessions (Autumn 2026).
• Presentation of work in Feb 2027 at IOU and Leeds School of Arts.
• Documentation archived within the IOU archive.
• Opportunities for public engagement, talks, and digital profiling.
• Introductions to potential future presenters
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30th March 2026, 10am
- Interviews: Week commencing 13th April 2026
- Residency: 15th – 19th June 2026
- Symposium: 15th July 2026
- Critical Feedback Sessions: Autumn 2026
- Production and Filming: Summer – Autumn 2026
- Presentation: February 2027 (Exact Dates tbc)