A Home Away From Home

The Cluster Photography Artist-in-Residency Programme offers photographers a transformative four-week experience in London's vibrant art scene. Participants receive comprehensive support, including transportation to / and in London, meals, equipment and materials, accommodation, and a private workspace in East London.​

Residents are accommodated in a private studio located in Zone 2, just a few minutes' walk from Bow Church Station. The studio features a workspace, bedroom, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a private outdoor area. With high ceilings and abundant natural light, the studio will be equipped with tools tailored to each artist's specific needs, such as cameras and studio lights. This residency offers a unique chance to develop a project or exhibition in one of the world's most dynamic art hubs, providing the resources and environment essential for artistic growth and exposure.

Bespoke Mentorship

The Cluster Photography Artist-in-Residency Programme offers a bespoke four-week mentorship tailored to each artist's career trajectory and aspirations. Participants engage in daily one-on-one sessions with a diverse array of professionals - including industry leaders, collectors, creative directors, and agents - online, in person or within their private East London studio.

​In 2025, Cluster is broadening its scope beyond the traditional art world, venturing into the dynamic realms of editorial and commercial photography. This expansion aims to foster interdisciplinary collaborations that enrich our creative community as a whole.

A Solo Exhibition

A highlight of the programme is the opportunity to present a solo exhibition at a central London gallery space, offering residents an impactful platform to showcase their work. Participants also gain the opportunity to be exhibiting at Cluster fairs, enhancing their visibility and helping them cultivate valuable connections within the creative industry.

Outside Studio Facilities

Beyond the primary studio, artists will have access to additional facilities through our network of partners. These may include:
- A fully equipped darkroom
- Other specialised spaces based on the artist’s project requirements

Equipment Support

Artists are expected to bring their own camera or core equipment, but Cluster will provide:
- Project-specific tools and gear
- Equipment tailored to the artist’s proposal and production needs

Language Requirements
The residency is conducted entirely in English. Applicants must have a strong command of both spoken and written English to fully engage with the programme.

Visa Support
Cluster offers full assistance with visa applications and documentation to ensure a smooth arrival for international artists.

Medium/Discipline
This is a photography-focused residency. While photography must be central to the project, interdisciplinary practices that support it are welcome.

Apply and Join Us

Cluster welcomes applications from artists and photographers from anywhere around the world, at any stage of their career, and of any age or nationality, who actively engage with contemporary societal issues and global themes through their creative practice. We are particularly interested in photographers who possess a strong visual identity or are seeking to cultivate one.

Application Guidelines | APPLY HERE NOW

1. Biography (150 words)

2. Artist Statement (200 words)

3. Objectives and Goals for the Residency (200 words)

4. Portfolio Submission

Artist-In-Residence Selection Process / Timeline

The residency selection process involves jurors independently reviewing and rating each application from 1 to 10. The top five artists will then be shortlisted for 15-minute interviews conducted by the jury panel and Cluster team. Following the interviews, jurors, partners, sponsors, and the Cluster team will anonymously vote to select the final artist, who will be announced thereafter. The residency is scheduled for August or September 2025, with the selected artist being contacted a day after the interviews are conducted to finalize specific dates and details, accommodating their preferences as much as possible.

ADDITIONALLY

Furthermore, Cluster team will select 25 artists from all applicants to be featured on Cluster's online shop accompanied with a custom made artist profile page. No commission on sales will be taken for the first 3 months.

Artist Rights & Terms Overview

Post-Residency Opportunities & Credit

Cluster is committed to protecting the rights and creative ownership of all participating artists. Below is a summary of the key terms:

• Copyright
  All artists retain full copyright of the work produced during the residency. Cluster does not claim any ownership. We will request non-exclusive permission to use selected images for promotional purposes directly related to the residency (e.g., website, press, social media) and to maintain a digital archive of the residency outcomes.

• Sales & Ownership
  Artists receive 70% of any sales made during the final solo exhibition, which is curated and produced by Cluster. The remaining 30% supports exhibition costs and platform sustainability. All unsold work remains the sole property of the artist following the exhibition.

• Formal Agreement
  All artists will receive a written contract clearly outlining rights, responsibilities, sales terms, and copyright protection. This ensures transparency, professionalism, and security for all parties involved.

1.1 If an opportunity arises as a direct result of the Cluster residency or final exhibition - such as additional solo exhibitions, sales, commissions, or professional collaborations- Cluster requests appropriate credit and visibility wherever possible (e.g., in marketing materials, catalogues, press, or public statements).

1.2 In the event that further opportunities occur where public crediting is not feasible (e.g., due to gallery policy or institutional constraints), and the new opportunity involves the exhibition or sale of works produced during the residency, Cluster reserves the right to enter into a fair commission agreement with the Artist. This would be discussed and negotiated on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of mutual benefit and respect for the Artist’s success.

1.3 Cluster will remain flexible and artist-first in its approach, with all terms guided by transparency, conversation, and shared interest. The primary aim is to support the Artist's long-term trajectory while acknowledging Cluster's contribution to the development and exposure of the work.

1.4 If the Artist is invited to produce new work as a result of connections or introductions facilitated through Cluster, all we request is a clear mention of the Cluster Artist-in-Residence programme in any public or professional context where relevant.

JUAN VERONA

Juan Carlos Verona is a spanish photogrpaher based in London who infuses imagination and simplicity into visual narratives. His work has been featured in El Pais, Metal, Fucking Young, Hunger, Creative Heads, Marie-Claire. Selected clients: Adidas, Sainsburys, L’Oreal, Champion Sportswear, Universal Records, Sony Music. He is also the co-founder of ZERO.NINE Magazine, an online platform dedicated to bring the arts and the photography community together.

www.jcverona.com
www.zeroninemagazine.com

JENNI GRAINGER

Prior to joining Photofusion in January 2024, Jenni has been a Producer and Executive Director in the Arts Sector for the last 22 years. As Director, Jenni is responsible for the strategic vision, financial sustainability, and artistic excellence of the company, in a strong partnership approach with all of staff, customers, artists, partners, funders, collaborators and Trustees.

www.photofusion.org

*Please note, the selected artist will be staying in the studio.
The second floor of the studio contains a bedroom.

APPLY HERE