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Leigh Community Centre offers the use of its attic space to house an Artist in Residence. This position is appointed by Leigh-on-Sea Town Council who hope to work with the appointee to provide creative ideas and artistic services to the Leigh-on-Sea community. All types of art will be considered on a yearly lease for the space.

Artist in Residence 2022 - 2023 - Susan Allen and Kerry Doyland 

Leigh-on-Sea Town Council’s Art Group has gone from strength to strength over recent years, and one of the jewels in its crown is the Artist in Residence scheme. The scheme encourages local artists to use Leigh Community Centre’s attic studio as a base for taking creativity out into the local community.

Current Artist in Resident Susan Allen, and her predecessor Kerry Doyland between them started a Life Drawing Scholarship. Over the 2 years that the scholarship has been running, over 300 students of varying ages have been given private tutorial, paper and drawing tools, and an evening of life drawing with a live model, working alongside artists who offer encouragement and advice.

For A-level students looking to expand their portfolio and art lovers who have never felt brave enough to give it a go, this is a game changing opportunity. Drawing is a mindful activity and can be incredibly therapeutic, stilling the mind, slowing the heart rate and calming the nervous system; all of which are ways to switch from fight or flight into that blissful state of healing and rejuvenation. The scholarship is open to applications from schools and individuals alike.

The success of the scholarship programme and the interruptions that both artists have faced during their residencies has led the Town Council to invite Susan and Kerry to join forces and share the 2022-23 residency. It is hoped that this extended opportunity will give them the chance to build on the enthusiasm and passion that both artists share, which has been sadly disturbed by the many lockdowns and restrictions that have been in place over the last two years.


Artist in Residence History 

Leigh Community Centre had been an arts hub for Leigh-on-Sea since the Town Council took over the building in 2012. We ask each of our Artist's in Residence to leave behind a legacy piece to mark their time at the Centre. Our previous artists in residence at Leigh Community Centre are as follows... 

2021 - 22 - Susan Allen 

2019 - 21 - Kerry Doyland (extended due to COVID-19)

2017 - 18 - Leigh Art Trail 

2016 - 17 - Mary Lister

2013 - 16 - Madelaine Hanman-Murphy

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