Graduate Residency
Supported early practice after education
The Graduate Residency is designed for recent graduates who want sustained time to consolidate skills, build confidence, and develop direction after formal education.
This residency offers a structured six-month period of access to the Smiddy, supporting graduates as they transition from education into independent practice. The emphasis is on continuity, routine, and learning through doing, without pressure to produce outcomes or perform publicly.
Who the Graduate Residency is for
The Graduate Residency is suitable for recent graduates in jewellery, silversmithing, or related material practices who are able to work independently within their existing skill set.
Applicants are expected to have completed formal training and to be confident working safely and responsibly in a shared workshop environment.
Residency structure
The Graduate Residency runs for six months and is offered twice each year:
September to February
March to August
Graduate Residents are provided with a designated studio base and agreed access to the main workshop, subject to availability and scheduled activity.
As part of the residency, residents contribute one agreed day per week to the life of the Smiddy. This contribution supports learning and integration and is not employment.
What the residency provides
The Graduate Residency includes:
A designated studio base for the duration of the residency
Agreed access to the main workshop
A fixed six-month residency period
One agreed contribution day per week
A professional shared working environment
The residency provides access to space, time, and experience rather than formal instruction.
What the residency does not include
The Graduate Residency does not include:
Teaching or formal mentoring
Employment or paid roles
Materials or consumables
Guaranteed exhibitions or sales
Accommodation
Where additional skills support is needed, this can be arranged separately.
Relationship to other Smiddy activity
Some graduates move on to Membership or other forms of access after completing a residency. Others take their practice elsewhere. There is no expectation to continue unless it feels appropriate.
Applying for a Graduate Residency
Graduate Residencies are offered subject to capacity and suitability.
Application details, deadlines, and availability are shared when residency periods are open.
If you are unsure whether the Graduate Residency is right for you, you are encouraged to get in touch before applying.