Just to be absolutely clear on what Studio Faire can and can’t offer …

Clarification, further information and frequently asked questions:

We welcome applications from all types of creative practitioner (artist, designer, maker, writer, musician, actor, film maker, … ). We consider a practitioner to be a person who is actively engaged in their creative practice as a profession, either part time or full time.

As space is limited, Colin and Julia will select applicants based on their experience, quality of work, project outline and compatibility with any other residents staying at the same time.

We accept applications year-round, with deadlines falling at least three months before the date on which you would like to start your residency and outcomes decided at least two months before that date. However, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible and to suggest multiple start date options, if you are able.

Studio Faire is situated near the centre of a town with around 7,000 inhabitants. It is a beautiful historic town with a castle, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, cafés, swimming pool, weekly farmer’s market and more. The property sits on the main road into Nérac from the North, so there is some traffic noise and complete silence cannot be offered. Despite the road, this location is ideal for residents, as it offers them the opportunity to be fully independent, whilst still enjoying the expansive green space of over an acre at the rear of the property.

Residents live and work in the house, studios and gardens of Studio Faire, which is also the home of your hosts, Colin Usher and Julia Douglas and their friendly Labrador Dougie and Siamese cat, Nushka.

Studio Faire currently looks like a stylish but slightly stained 1960’s French film set (See gallery here)! Modernisation is in progress and you can keep up with developments through our Facebook and Instagram pages.

A choice of three private double bedrooms are available to residents. These rooms share the shower room with toilet, which is just across the hall. Because of this, we currently accommodate a maximum of three residents at a time. (We do have a second resident’s bathroom to renovate and therefore will soon be able to accommodate more).

Studio Faire is not suitable for resident’s partners, children or pets.

Accommodation is offered on a self-catering basis, with a shared kitchen providing all the basics. Colin and Julia are happy to give you a lift to the supermarket at a mutually agreeable time throughout your stay.

The ‘Garage studio’ is situated on the North side of the building (road side). This studio is only offered to one artist at a time. This artist must accept that other residents will pass through this space whilst travelling from their bedrooms to the rest of the property. This space also houses the resident’s fridge and the washing machine. The artist allocated this space may let the hosts know what time of day they would prefer the washing machine to be used to minimise noise disturbance whilst working. 

Materials or processes which may cause physical illness or initiate fires are not permitted for use at Studio Faire, this includes toxic pigments, spray paints or flammable or combustible products.

Please do not bring any of the following products to Studio Faire:

  • Paints that contain arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, or mercury. These are toxic to you, the other residents and the environment.
  • Spray paint, which is flammable and produces very strong fumes.
  • Mineral spirits, paint thinner, linseed oil, oil paints, gamsol, turpenoids, or other flammable or combustible material (please check the label!). These are all potential fire starters.

Two attached workshops can also provide great space for larger sculptural projects or messy work.

The Bureau (on the South side facing the garden) and The Usher Hall (on the North side facing the road) can both be used for clean work.

Each bedroom has a desk and each studio a table suitable for the space.

There is a walled garden with a patio plus an adjacent large wild ‘park’, which can all also be used for work and play.

Agen is located between Bordeaux and Toulouse, with good airports in both. These three cities are linked by high speed TGV line. If you would like a lift to and from the station in Agen, please ask. This is free of charge. Alternatively, you can take a bus four times per day to Nérac from Agen train station.

All works created during your residency are your property, however, Studio Faire will take 30% commission on any works sold at a Studio Faire event during your residency period.

We recommend that you be fully insured during your residency for medical and personal liability and damages (third party insurance).

We do not offer visa sponsorship. Residents from countries outside of the EU must ensure that the length of their residency falls within the period of presence in France authorised by a tourist visa.

The cost covers:

A private bedroom
A shower-room with toilet

Laundry of bed linen and towels (once a week)
24h access to WiFi, shared studio, kitchen, dining room, living room and garden
Online promotion of your experience via Studio Faire’s website and social media (with your consent)
Weekly support for project logistics from Colin and Julia
Lifts to the supermarket or to and from local areas of interest (within reason)
Transfer to and from Agen station if desired

A deposit of 50% should be paid on acceptance of a residency, with the final 50% to be paid at least two months before your residency begins. You will be sent further information about payment methods and our cancellation policy if your application is successful.

We look forward to welcoming you at Studio Faire!