Hauser & Wirth Somerset supports an immersive artist-in-residence program, which invites artists to spend an extended period of time in Bruton in order to draw inspiration from Durslade Farm, the local culture and the surrounding landscape. The residencies have no prescribed outcomes but give artists time and space for reflection, research, and production. Previous artists-in-residence include Pipilotti Rist, Mark Wallinger, and Rashid Johnson.
The annual Hauser & Wirth Exchange Residency for post-MFA students is a collaboration between Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles and Hauser & Wirth Somerset, working with the California Institute for the Arts (CalArts) and the Bath School of Art and Design, Bath Spa University.
Hauser & Wirth Somerset also holds an annual International Curatorial Residency which brings together a group of influential curators from around the world to spend five days immersed in the ethos and programming of Hauser & Wirth Somerset, to share knowledge and to create new opportunities and connections for the cultural sector. The residency culminates in a public symposium for UK delegates, which acts as a forum for reflection and thought-provoking discussions on a different topic each year.
Hauser & Wirth Somerset invites artists to spend an extended period of time in Bruton, based at the Maltings Studio space in the centre of the town. The Maltings, a historic building located at the end of Bruton High Street, has been converted into artist studios, keeping much of its original features and character intact. Artists in residence contribute to a continuous creative hub, producing artworks, projects, community events and educational workshops.
Residencies are by invitation only.
In 2017, Hauser & Wirth launched a brand new residency for students from The California Institute for the Arts (CalArts) to exchange with Bath School of Art and Design, Bath Spa University. The two educational institutions are local to Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles and Hauser & Wirth Somerset respectively.
The initiative has been designed to support emerging artists affiliated with these universities by offering them locations to live and work for an intensive short-term period in Los Angeles, USA and Somerset, UK. The program encourages independent work while providing support through contact with academics, curators and artists.
Hauser & Wirth Somerset also takes part in the The Art for the Environment International Artist Residency Programme (AER). Launched in 2015, UAL graduates are invited for a 2 to 4-week residency at internationally renowned host institutions, to explore concerns that define the 21st century – biodiversity, environmental sustainability, social economy, and human rights.
