Studio Spaces
for Graduates
2025/2026
Studio Spaces for Graduates October 1st 2025 - September 30th 2026
Fireworks Clay Studios is a co-operative organisation based in Cardiff city centre, providing studio space and specialised equipment for ceramic artists. It currently houses 21 ceramicists. In its 29 year history, Fireworks has helped to facilitate the early careers of many successful ceramic artists and is committed to continuing this through its now established Graduate Residency Scheme. We recognise that this in turn contributes to the vibrancy of the community within the studio as well as fostering the next generation of makers.
The Scheme aims to support two newly graduated ceramic artists in their first year of self directed professional practice by offering a fully furnished studio space at a heavily subsidised cost with full use of all studio equipment for a period of one year. Successful applicants will be able to take full advantage of a professional studio without the need to invest and purchase the key equipment required in a ceramic workshop, whilst also working alongside full time professional members, gaining exposure to gallery representatives and enthusiasts. There will also be opportunities to take part in our Open Days (Christmas & Summer) and studio meetings. We also offer a mentoring scheme, through which graduates have the opportunity to discuss their ideas, material & technical issues and/or professional questions eg. online presence / approaching galleries, with one or more of the current full members.
As stated previously, we are a co-operative which means we each contribute our time voluntarily to maintain the space and facilities and support each other, including the Graduate Residents.
The submission for the Fireworks Graduate Residency is open until June 2025 and is available to new graduates completing an undergraduate BA, postgraduate MA, PhD in Ceramics in 2024 or 25.
The subsequent residents will receive the following: Studio space (2.5m x 2.5m approx); the use of our communal facilities including 4 x top-loading electric kilns; 1 x large front-loading electric kiln; Wet-back spray booth and spray gun; Photography Studio; WiFi.
The cost of a Graduate space is £115 per calendar month. This price includes heating and electricity but individual firing costs are additional.
TO APPLY:
To apply for the Fireworks Graduate Residency, please email or post your completed application to Fireworks by friday 13th June 2025. Applications received after this time will not be considered. All applicants will be notified of the outcome by June 27th 2025.
APPLICATIONS can be e-mailed to tonidejesus.ceramics@gmail.com or posted to: Fireworks Clay Studios (Graduate Residency), 24 Tudor Lane, Riverside, Cardiff, CF11 6AZ, UK. Please do not send application forms via special or recorded delivery.
Testimonials
'For graduates who want to be ceramic artists, it would be tough to set up their studios and keep developing their work, but I was lucky to have been accepted to the Fireworks Clay Studio Residency program in 2021. During the residency, I kept developing the artwork I created during my MA at Cardiff School of Art and Design and the residency gave me the opportunity to show my work to the wider art and craft field.
Fireworks Clay Studio is equipped with various facilities like kilns and a photo studio, offering residents a decent working environment. I was able to experiment with various shapes, materials, and firing tests to develop my work without facility restrictions. When I tried something new and faced unexpected difficulties and problems, I asked Fireworks Clay Studio members for advice. The members shared their professional knowledge and experiences with me and with the help of the advice, I was able to improve my work.
Fireworks Clay Studio members’ support helped me feel a sense of belonging and the conversations I had with my mentor, helped me think about the attitude and mindset I should have as an artist. I am so glad to have had a fruitful year in such a lovely community.'
Yusun Won
2021-22 Graduate Resident