1 May 2023
After a forced hiatus (due to the pandemic), the British School at Rome (BSR) residency hosted two Helpmann-supported emerging creatives in 2022, Brianna Speight and Eleanor Amor. Based in one of the world’s most culturally rich cities, the BSR residency gives artists the opportunity to expand their practice at one of the most prestigious foreign academies in the world.
Brianna Speight
Brianna Speight, an emerging photographer, received a three-month residency at the British School in Rome in 2020, supported by David McKee AO, Pam McKee, and the Lang Foundation. After a delay due to the pandemic, Brianna arrived in Rome in April 2022 and was thrilled to immerse herself in the culture and space to create. Brianna found the rich art history and access to artists and academics from around the world incredible. The residency gave her time to engage in the research process, which allowed her to shift her framework and think deeply about her practice. She is grateful for the support of Helpmann Academy, which allowed her to plan for future projects.
Brianna said, “The support I’ve received from Helpmann has been instrumental, and it’s not just the money that makes things happen. It’s also the dreaming and planning that can occur when these opportunities are available. It’s the opportunity to plan for future projects that have been incredible.”
I’m so grateful for my three-month residency at the British School at Rome. Living alongside artists and academic fellows and having access to a huge studio 24/7 was transformative in many ways. I gained so much from visiting historically significant sites in Rome, exploring museum collections, attending the Venice and Berlin Biennales and numerous contemporary art exhibitions. It was a rich and rewarding experience which enabled me to make new work, develop my research and connect with international artists.
Brianna Speight
Eleanor Amor
Eleanor Amor, a multidisciplinary artist, won the British School at Rome residency in 2022 with the support of John Phillips. This was her first time in Europe, and the residency allowed her access to influential artworks and spaces like the BSR library, transforming her creative practice.
Eleanor experimented with new tools and forms, pushing herself out of her comfort zone. Through engaging with a broad range of people during the residency, she gained fresh perspectives on her work. She said, “Being in a new space with a different range of tools has encouraged me to experiment with new forms and create sculptures that are heavily influenced by my surroundings. Through engaging with a broad range of people during my residency, I have also learned how to explain my practice and research interests confidently and have gained fresh perspectives on my work.” Eleanor plans to use her new perspective to create new works and showcase her progression in a solo exhibition.
“I am incredibly grateful to Helpmann Academy and the British School of Rome for such a career defining experience. As an emerging artist, having the opportunity to live and work in Rome with a range of academics and artists has given me an insight into my practice and help it evolve in ways I didn’t realise was possible. Through Helpmann Academy’s support I was able to commit to research, make artworks and see
Eleanor Amor
masterpieces in Italy over three months, while building industry connections that will impact my artistic practice for years to come.”
This article is an extract. Click here to read the full article written by Mahalia Tanner, published in our 2022 Annual Magazine.
Brianna’s BSR residency was generously supported by David McKee AO and Pam McKee and the Lang Foundation.
Eleanor’s BSR residency was made possible through the benevolent backing of John Phillips.