Sizewell Creative and First Light Festival CIC have launched a unique 3-year programme of creative residencies across visual art, writing and poetry at Sizewell.   

This initiative, which begins in November 2024, invites creative practitioners from across the East of England to engage with the Sizewell C project. 

The aim of the programme is to explore this largely under-documented part of the region’s heritage and history, through the many people who have been part of Sizewell – looking back to the roots of nuclear power in the area from the 1950s and forwards to the 2030s, to listen to and capture the many voices involved.  The first residency for visual art will run from November 2024 to October 2025.  

As well as making original work, the residency will look to engage the Sizewell C workforce and local community, sharing creative processes and fostering discussions around the project, the local environment and the community.  

Julia Pyke, Sizewell C Joint Managing Director, said: “These residencies will provide a fantastic opportunity for local artists and writers to explore the history and heritage of this area – and we’re thrilled to be working with the wonderful First Light Festival CIC to deliver the programme over the next three years. 

“This first residency, in the visual arts, offers a local artist the chance to take a unique look at Sizewell, develop a conversation through art, and further connects young people, the Sizewell C workforce, and everyone who lives and works in this beautiful area of East Suffolk. We can’t wait to see the results.” 

The first residency: details and how to apply 

The selected artist will receive £4,000 plus materials and travel expenses, with use of a workspace on the Sizewell estate.  

Artists working in various visual art practices who live and/or work in the East of England are invited to apply. Applicants must be over 18 years old. The application deadline is September 27, 2024. Interested artists should submit their application online, including a short bio, a project proposal, a CV, and links to a digital portfolio. 

Genevieve Christie, Chief Executive First Light Festival CIC, said: “Visual art, writing and poetry all help us to see the world in different ways.  We hope that these residencies will create a valuable connection between artistes and Sizewell C – to ask questions, explore and share ideas.”          

Sizewell Creative 

Developed by Sizewell C, Sizewell Creative aims to provide free, accessible, and sustainable arts events and initiatives for the community and local schools.  

These new creative residencies, launched with First Light Festival CIC, are the latest in a series of creative initiatives delivered by the programme.   

In July, Sizewell Creative staged its first stage production: two sell-out performances of Benjamin Britten’s ‘Noye’s Fludde’ at Thorington Theatre near Southwold, which brought together local communities, schools, and the Sizewell C team, alongside top talent from the world of the arts.  

Rosalind Parker, Creative Director of Sizewell Creative, said: “Following a programme of creative and community arts last year, culminating in a highly successful production of Britten’s Noye’s Fludde opera, we’re delighted to mark Sizewell Creative’s extension into the visual arts with these amazing residencies with First Light Festival.  

“With an ongoing focus on support for music in education, through singing and instrument provision, free community creative workshop and music making events and the launch of Sizewell C’s own Choir, Sizewell Creative works collaboratively with businesses and arts organisations in the area to help further develop the already rich music and arts provision in area, bringing arts to all.  

“Watch this space to sign up for free events and to find out how to participate in our next productions, including free film screening fun-days, festive concerts and the next community, schools, workforce and professional opera.”  

About First Light Festival 

First Light Festival is a community gathering to celebrate a unique place at a very special time: the first sunrise of midsummer in Lowestoft, the UK’s most easterly town.   

The festival is organised by First Light Festival Community Interest Company (CIC), a not-for-profit organisation based in Lowestoft that aims to shine a spotlight on the region, and the wealth of talent and creativity that exists there.   

Alongside the festival, they oversee a year-round programme of arts and events that includes the running of East Point Pavilion on Lowestoft’s seafront, and a number of projects across East Suffolk.