APPLICATIONS are now open for one of the most exciting incubators for emerging creatives in the UK, which has launched the careers of artists such as BAFTA-winning writer Jack Rooke.
The Roundhouse Resident Artist Programme, now supported by Chilly’s, is a year-long professional development programme for emerging artists aged 18-25. The programme supports artists to transition into sustainable careers in the creative industries through bespoke creative mentoring, access to industry professionals and professional performance opportunities.
The programme is free and includes unlimited use of the Roundhouse’s state-of-the-art creative studios and rehearsal spaces, monthly workshops, masterclasses and mentoring sessions.
One of the unique aspects of the Resident Artist programme is the opportunity for participants to showcase their talents on Roundhouse stages and beyond. This year, as part of Roundhouse Three Sixty, current and former Resident Artists will perform in the main space in the Roundhouse Song Circle with Tom Odell and Love to Love You Baby: Donna Summer Reimagined alongside established names including MNEK, Katy B and Mica Paris. Current Resident Artists will also present their work in Roundhouse’s Studio Theatre as part of the festival.
Past Resident Artists have gone on to achieve significant success across the creative industries, with recent examples including 2023/24 Resident Artists Hohnen Ford, who is about to tour as the opening act for FINNEAS, and Amy Gadiaga, who received a MOBO Award nomination for her debut album. Jack Rooke, writer and creator of Channel 4’s Big Boys, was part of the 2014/25 cohort.
The Roundhouse Resident Artist programme is distinct in its cross-disciplinary approach; past Resident Artist cohorts have included musicians, writers, filmmakers, actors, choreographers and poets.
Alongside its place as an iconic venue, the Roundhouse is the UK’s leading independent creative powerhouse. Last year, the Roundhouse worked with over 10,000 young people, providing a range of creative projects and opportunities across music, performing arts, and more.
United by a shared commitment to sustainability and youth empowerment, the Roundhouse Resident Artist programme is now supported by Chilly’s, the UK-based brand known for its iconic reusable water bottles, cups and more. This collaboration underscores both organisations’ dedication to fostering a lasting future while empowering the next generation of creative talent.
Jack Prideaux, Associate Creative Producer at the Roundhouse, said:
“Emerging creatives consistently tell us the same thing – they need mentoring, access, physical spaces, community and perhaps most importantly, time. The Roundhouse Resident Artist programme provides all these things in ways that are responsive to each artists’ needs and an ever-evolving industry. Our dual identity as a venue where world-class artists perform daily and as a charity committed to supporting the next generation allows us to provide a unique offer to artists. The quality and breadth of talent always inspires me we see in applications, and I’m sure it will be another tough decision this year.”
Tendertwin, a musician who was part of the Roundhouse’s 2023/24 Resident Artist cohort, said:
“The Roundhouse is one of those few magical places in the world for me, where I feel immediately at home seconds after stepping in. It doesn’t matter if I’m there to see a gig, attend a workshop, or just grab coffee with a friend – that strange comfort of the familiar is consistent.
“As someone who is not from this country and whose work deals a good amount with trying to understand what it means to belong anywhere, I find this phenomenon quite rare. I appreciate it fully. I’m Bilge, I make music as Tendertwin — I met my longest collaborators via the Roundhouse as an artist on both their Roundhouse Music Collective and Resident Artists programme, and I’m continuously inspired by the never-ending practice that happens inside this hub every hour, all day, all year.”
