Located in Vauxhall, South East London, Gasworks stands as a premier contemporary art gallery and international artists’ residency. Since its establishment in 1994, it has been a pivotal force in the art community, offering a vibrant gallery space, dedicated artist studios, and a myriad of opportunities including residencies, international fellowships, and educational initiatives. Over the years, numerous alumni from Gasworks have risen to prominence, showcasing their works at leading art institutions, and renowned art events, and earning nominations for prestigious awards like the Turner Prize, Absolut Award, and Pinchuk Art Prize.

Gasworks’ gallery exhibitions showcase its unwavering commitment to a wide spectrum of artistic expressions. Gaswork believes that art should provoke thought, challenge social norms, and spark dialogue. From exploring the complexities of human displacement to interpreting cultural belief systems and narrating personal stories, Gasworks aims to be a space where art spurs introspection, reflection, and impactful conversations. 

Gasworks’ artist residency hosts numerous residencies in collaboration with a diverse range of institutions, organizations, and funders. These residencies are non-prescriptive and process-driven, enabling visiting artists to either develop projects inspired by their new environment or to conduct research that benefits from London’s vast resources. To date, Gasworks has collaborated with over 250 artists spanning 70 countries worldwide, partly through its connections with the Triangle Network, an organization known for fostering global artistic connections.

The residency at Gasworks is a haven for artists from varied backgrounds and disciplines. It offers them a unique environment for immersion, exposure, and skill enhancement, all while being ensconced in a dynamic artistic community. Artists are granted 24-hour access to a private studio at Gasworks, fostering a collaborative environment alongside other visiting artists and permanent studio holders. Towards the end of their tenure, they are presented with the opportunity to display their work at a public Open Studio event. Gasworks covers visa costs, provides support during the visa application process, and arranges return flights from the artist’s home city to London. Accommodation typically consists of a single room within Gasworks’ Residency House, a shared space with other resident artists. Additionally, artists receive a weekly stipend, a materials budget, and a prepaid travel card for unlimited travel within central London. The residency experience is further enriched with substantial administrative, pastoral, and curatorial support from Gasworks. Each artist also benefits from a dedicated online presence through a residency page on Gasworks’ website, complete with a video interview. Networking remains a pivotal component, with myriad opportunities for studio visits, interactions with curators, arts professionals, other artists, patrons, and collectors through organized events. It’s worth noting that open calls for the residency can sometimes be specific to certain countries of origin. Therefore, for those keen on such opportunities, subscribing to Gasworks’ newsletter is highly recommended to stay abreast of specific calls for entries.

Gasworks consistently strengthens its ties with the community, going beyond traditional exhibitions to foster relationships through diverse events, workshops, and participatory sessions. These initiatives encourage community members to engage, learn, and collaboratively create. A prime illustration of this commitment is the gallery’s collaboration with artist José García Oliva, their 2023 Participation Residency Artist. Together, they aim to establish an open platform with various independent unions to discuss and amplify awareness about workers’ rights. This endeavor seeks to transform these discussions into collective, creative actions, empowering Londoners and community partners with vital knowledge on rights ranging from collective bargaining and advocacy to holiday entitlements and protection against unfair dismissals. Conducted in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, these sessions will spotlight subpar working conditions and champion solidarity and advocacy.

Gasworks’ association with the Triangle Network is emblematic of its commitment to nurturing global artistic connections and championing cultural exchange. The Triangle Network, established in 1982, is a global consortium of artists and visual arts organizations. It is dedicated to bolstering professional development and fostering cultural interactions among artists, curators, and other arts professionals across the globe. Over the years, the network has paved the way for more than 4,500 artists to connect, create, and refine their practice through a plethora of initiatives such as workshops, residencies, events, exhibitions, and more. This collaboration has initiated numerous Triangle Network projects and organizations across multiple countries, crafting a vast, artist-centric infrastructure that continues to evolve and adapt. Each partner within the Triangle Network, including Gasworks, operates autonomously, tailoring activities to cater to the distinct needs and aspirations of local artists and audiences. This partnership not only endows new organizations or artists’ groups with a recognized identity and international presence but also fosters joint international projects, knowledge-sharing, and support among like-minded peers from across the globe.

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