Emerge 2026
News
Applications for Emerge 26/27 Open
Wednesday, 6 May, 2026Emerge is the in-house creative studio at Bath Spa University, powered by Careers and Employability, providing space for graduates and community creatives to access employability and career development support through residencies and membership models.
The Emerge residency commences in November 2026 and runs for 11-months. It is open to BSU Alumni who graduated in 2025 or are due to graduate in 2026 at Undergraduate or Postgraduate level, across disciplines and schools and is designed to give professional career support.
Graduates are supported to take their next steps after graduation, to develop their professional portfolio or practice, freelance activity or business start-up in a supported, multidisciplinary space, alongside established professionals and community creatives through space to work, skills development, access facilities, connections and opportunities.
There is an incredible community of early-stage creative professionals across sectors – art, design, textiles, performance, producing, photography, product design, creative writing, creative technology, with a chance to work alongside industry creative mentors.
Launched in 2020, with the goal to help graduates thrive in freelance and self-employed careers while contributing to Bath’s vibrant creative ecology. The Emerge Studio is based at Bath Spa University's Sion Hill Campus and offers:
- Space to work
- Access to industry creative mentors
- Professional careers support/coaching
- Workshops, portfolio opportunities, skills development
- Business and self-employment support
- Selling and exhibition opportunities
- Bookable gallery space
- Crit and scratch opportunities
- Adobe, library and facilities/ equipment access
- For performance residents: 11-month membership to Bath’s Creative Playground
- BSU Student Union Gym membership (Newton Park) – at staff rates
- End of residency showcase event
Speaking with the Emerge Studio Manager Charlotte Godfrey on what the Emerge programme offers:
"The Emerge Studio residency programme supports you to take the next steps in your creative practice, freelance career or business after graduating. Rather than navigating this transition alone, Emerge offers vital support through a like‑minded peer network, skills development, and tailored progression opportunities.
This year, we’re excited to build on our existing partnerships. Our performance‑based residents will now benefit from strengthened support with membership to Bath Creative Playground.
We are a uniquely inclusive, multi‑disciplinary studio. Whatever your creative practice or business idea, Emerge is here to help develop your professional passion beyond graduation."
If you are keen to start or continue to develop your professional creative practice, freelance/portfolio career or creative business after graduation in Bath, the Emerge studio residency offer could be a great option for you. The application deadline is 24 June 2026, and applications can only be accepted through My Career.
If you would like to find out more, or would like to direct others to apply you can find details on Instagram @EmergeInBath or their website.