Artist Sally Booth was awarded Shape’s Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary in 2009, undertaking her accompanying residency at The Bluecoat, Liverpool. We asked Sally a few questions on her experience and what she’s been up to since…

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What is it in particular about Shape that you identify with as an artist?

It brings together other like-minded disabled artists, as well as concentrating on the art.

What made you feel that the ARMB residency was the appropriate vehicle for the exploration of your work?

It came at a time for me when I was ready to be more ambitious. The open-ended nature of the residency and being encouraged to focus on my own practice for three months was a unique experience for me. The provision of a new studio in a stimulating city gave me all necessary for an intensive period of work.

How did the residency help you to develop your practice and career?

I tried out new methods of working, and made work I was not expecting to make; I think it helped me “think bigger”. I was invited back to Bluecoat the following year to show the work I had developed from the residency as part of DaDaFest. I subsequently applied for funding and undertook a long term collaborative project which has resulted in shows and performances at Scottish Parliament, Tate Modern and this year’s Shetland Museum.

What have you been up to since your residency, and what are you working on at the moment?

I have undertaken more collaborative projects and residencies across the UK and made more ambitious site-specific installations.

What are your views about the significance of the programme?

It’s the only programme I know of for disabled artists in high profile mainstream galleries and institutions.

I have seen the quality and range of work made on the residencies develop in scope since it began. It’s also the only residency I know where it’s ok to work on your own practice and see what happens! It was a memorable three months for me.

Applications are now open for the 2018 Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary - click here for more information and to apply.

To read more about Sally and her work, please visit: www.shapearts.org.uk/news/artist-profile-sally-booth 

 

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Banner Image: Sally Booth (2009)