Spike Island is excited to announce the first of three new Engagement Fellowships for curators, art workers, and creative practitioners based in the South West of the UK.

Between 2025 and 2028, the new Fellowship partnership will offer a platform for three budding curators to create and deliver a programme of events and activities as part of Spike Island’s Engagement programme.

As well as enhancing the region’s professional development opportunities, the Engagement Fellowships aim to build meaningful relationships between local communities and the arts. Those selected will work closely with community groups, children, and young people to further cultivate an inclusive approach to engagement.

Starting in April 2025, the first Fellowship will explore the relationships between urban and rural communities, landscape, sustainability, and ecologies. The Fellow will design and lead public-facing events including workshops, talks, tours, and reading groups.

In addition to financial support, the Fellowship includes: · Ongoing mentorship and guidance from Spike Island and Hauser & Wirth’s programming teams.

• Access to training and development opportunities provided by Spike Island.
• Workspace in the Spike Island office and use of the Residency Studio, subject to availability.
• Annual membership to the Spike Island Associates programme, granting access to regular talks, networking with industry professionals, and peer-to-peer support.

The Engagement Fellowship follows the end of a three-year programme of curatorial fellowships provided through Spike Island and funded by the West of England Visual Arts Alliance (WEVAA).

Now, with the kind support of Hauser & Wirth, Spike Island continues its commitment to increasing the number of industry opportunities for creative practitioners based in the South West.

For more information on the Engagement Fellowship and how to apply, please visit the Open Call web page

About Spike Island
Spike Island supports, produces and presents contemporary art across an 80,000 square foot former industrial building near Bristol’s harbourside. Our artistic programme includes free exhibitions, events and engagement activities taking place on-site and online. The programme champions outstanding work by emerging and underrepresented local, national and international artists, and enhances access to contemporary art and culture for audiences from all backgrounds.

Spike Island directly supports artists through ambitious new commissions, subsidised studios and critically engaged artist development opportunities that widen access to our programme and facilities. Our Exhibition Services business supports the bespoke production and installation of

artists’ film and video throughout the UK and internationally. Spike Island is home to a dynamic community of hundreds of artists and creative businesses, working in flexible, affordable workspaces, alongside UWE Bristol’s Fine Art programmes and Emmeline Café Bar.

About Hauser & Wirth
Hauser & Wirth is committed to inclusive learning programs that create a dialogue between art, artists and diverse audiences. Ongoing global projects are centered on three core pillars: to engage with communities; enrich academic courses; and foster better access to art careers through a series of meaningful partnerships. Operating beyond the physical spaces of Hauser & Wirth locations, the longstanding learning program recognises art as a vehicle for personal and collective discovery, driven by the work of the gallery’s artists. The learning team collaborates with a range of cultural organisations and non-profit partners, facilitating an exchange of ideas and new perspectives to bring an expanded learning experience.

Find out more: hauserwirth.com/learning