The Royal Drawing School is pleased to launch a new residency in partnership with CW+, the official charity of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The residency invites Royal Drawing School alumni and Faculty to apply for a unique and exciting residency opportunity. Based at the CW+ West Middlesex site, this drawing-focused residency offers a chance to be embedded in a dynamic hospital environment, working closely with departments transitioning to a new Ambulatory Diagnostics Centre opening in 2026.
The Drawn in Residence programme launched in 2018 with support from the Tavolozza Foundation. The programme has been a hugely valuable way for talent in the creative arts to gain experience and be supported to shape, develop and deliver a project in a healthcare setting. This residency marks the first-of-its-kind role for a Lead Drawing Artist in a capital project, commissioned by CW+ as part of a new partnership with the Royal Drawing School.
The appointed artist will have creative freedom to shape their project direction in response to the hospital context, with the final outcome permanently installed in the new building. This opportunity also includes mentoring two emerging creatives from universities, supporting their growth through two to four guided sessions during their parallel mini-residencies.
Artists will be supported by CW+ throughout, with access to collaboration opportunities, community engagement and hospital networks, creating space for both personal and professional development, and ensuring a lasting and meaningful legacy through their project.
CW+ and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have been at the forefront of the global arts and health movement for more than 30 years. Their Arts in Health programme was established when Chelsea and Westminster Hospital was built in 1993. Art was integral to the design, and bespoke artworks were built into the hospital’s foundations. Since then, this pioneering programme has evolved to encompass visual arts, performing arts (including live music, dance and participatory activities), film screenings, innovative design and green spaces. The charity has a collection of more than 2,000 works of art and digital installations, which enhance the hospital environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Residency Details:
· 32-day residency (approx 4 days/month over 8 months – flexible scheduling depending on artist availability)
· Residency to commence by September 2025 at the latest
· The artist in resident will provide 2–4 mentoring sessions with student residents (total)
· Final outcome of work to be permanently installed in the new Ambulatory Diagnostics Centre
· Access to CW+ studio space and desk space throughout residency
· Access to support for facilitating patient/staff workshops in a group or 1:1 setting as part of residency with hospital community
· Access to free shuttlebus between Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital (if required for transport access)
Fees:
· Artist fee: £10,000
· Production and installation support: £5,000 (covered by CW+)
Applications are now open for the CW+ Drawn in Residence programme. Please complete the form below, following the instructions given. Applications close 5pm GMT Monday 7 July 2025. Submitted applications will be assessed by a Jury of distinguished artists and curators in July 2025. Shortlisted artist will be invited for an interview and a tour of the hospital before one artist is selected for the residency.
Applications are open to Drawing Year alumni and Faculty only. Please note it is important that applicants have experience of mentoring and are comfortable with mentoring student artists who will also be in residence.
Please note residency applications will be held on the Royal Drawing School database for one year, after one year applications will be deleted.
If you have any questions regarding the residency or your application please contact: janet.casey@royaldrawingschool.org
* Before commencing their residency, the appointed artist will need to undertake an enhanced DBS check.