The artist in residence scheme has always been a key aspect of the Whitworth Young Contemporaries programme. Each year we employ young, emerging artists under the age of 24, to deliver workshops with young people and deliver projects within the gallery.

This programme develops the artists skills as social practitioners and to give them the next step on the career ladder. The peer-led approach often means there is a collaborative, symbiotic nature to the relationship between the artist and young people and the young people are inspired by someone who is not too much older than themselves.

In lockdown 3.0 we recruited 3 very different artists to work with us. This included Helen Farley who explored augmented reality and coding; Polly from Westweaves, an artist an designer who led us through brand identity and how best to use social media to develop your practice; and finally Josie Tothill, a social practitioner who’s issue based sessions examined our place in history and the role of art and statues in the world around us.

We invited each artist to write a blog post to share their experiences of being artist in residence with us. Here, emerging artist Polly tells us how she found delivering workshops via zoom.

“We can often doubt our capabilities and lose sight of our strength” The first line of the description of my workshop at the Whitworth’s Young Contempories; A poignant thought, as this is why I intended to apply for the workshops in the first place!

Presenting in person has never been my strong suit, never mind presenting over zoom and in a different country. Yet, it was due to these limitations that I was able to take part in this exciting experience! In the midst of a Pandemic and in the city of Amsterdam, I was able to come together with young professionals across the UK and talk to them about cultivating our strengths and putting our best foot forward.

The experience allowed me to work with other artists such as Jose and Helen. We all have completely different styles of working; To come together, created this amazing mix of mediums and methods. Throughout the whole experience they were my support, encouraging my ideas and giving tips on how to handle zoom. In particular, Sally has been a blessing continuously from the offset. Acting as a mentor, Sally encouraged me to explore my creativity, and just roll with my plans – have self-belief because talent and personality shines through. 

There are many flaws to the Pandemic, it is such a shame that the workshops had to be online but for me, it gave me the opportunity to host the workshop. Being based in Amsterdam, I was able to give the attendees a breathe of fresh air; show them my work, my house and share tips on how to emerge as a young artist. 

What was most encouraging was the feedback I received after the first and second workshop. It was the main goal of taking part, to inspire and encourage the talented young creatives of today; remind them that the position I am currently in is only a few steps ahead and that it is a constant ongoing journey that has no end. We just need to enjoy the ride.