Springboard Programme
Our alumni-focused Springboard Programme continues the work we do to support the award winning artists and cultural practitioners that graduate from our Associates Programme. This includes development opportunities such as ongoing mentoring support from OSE’s programming team, external partnerships, commissions and funded opportunities.
The programme is an integral way to ensure Open School East continues to support early to mid-career artists to develop and sustain their practices, develop robust support networks, and provide them with a platform to connect to new peers.
Springboard Programme partners include; 243 Luz, Margate; Acme Artist Studios, London; AiR, Ramsgate; Arts Education Exchange, Margate; British Council, Turner Contemporary, Margate and Venice Biennale; Cement Fields, North Kent; Gathering, London; Mosaic Rooms, London; Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool and Rooftop Institute, Hong Kong.
We’re always looking for opportunities for our Associate alumni. If you would like to discuss potential collaborations, please contact: info@openschooleast.org
Springboard Programme 2026-27
1:1 Mentoring
November 2026 – April 2027
Register your interest via our application form.
Deadline for applications: Friday 23 October, 2pm
One-to-one mentoring sessions with Open School East’s programming team and guest mentors. Mentoring sessions provide long-term, practice-based guidance and technical support, as well as support conversations around sustainable artistic practice and professional development.
Alumni are selected based on their current need for critical feedback, how much they may benefit from taking part in the sessions and whether or not they currently have access to artistic support and/or feedback.
Springboard Talks
A bespoke series of professional development talks for OSE alumni with members of OSE’s wider creative network; these include past programme partners, guest artists, mentors, and OSE board members.
Each event series explores ways in which artists sustain their practices, secure funding for projects, and build meaningful professional networks. These events create an open and discursive environment in which alumni can meet sector professionals and discuss ways to support themselves and each other.
Guests are selected based on Associate and alumni feedback.
Springboard talks are shared through regular mail-outs. To request an update regarding upcoming events please email: george@openschooleast.org
Alumni Research Group
*This is a paid opportunity.
February – June 2027
Applications open October 2026.
To request an update regarding the group please email: george@openschooleast.org
The Alumni Research Group brings together Associate alumni and an invited Artist Researcher to undertake research into the themes of the upcoming programme cycle at Open School East.
Across 3 online sessions, the group will work together to develop a series of case studies exploring artistic, social and site-specific responses to the cycle’s theme. The group will share research, exchange ideas and explore artistic approaches that will help shape the next Associates Programme curriculum.
Organised and supported by Open School East, the Alumni Research Group creates opportunities for alumni from different cohorts to work together beyond the Associates Programme. It supports peer-led research and critical exchange while sustaining the collaborative, experimental and self-directed approaches that underpin OSE’s learning model.
The Alumni Research Group will have an opportunity to share research with the next cohort of Associates, connecting alumni experiences and research with the learning of future Associates.
Applicants are selected based on their current practice and/or research interests relevant to the upcoming cycle themes.
Springboard Alumni Events
Springboard Talks #4 — Shenece Oretha
Artist Shenece Oretha will speak about how she built and maintains relationships with communities that shape and sustain her practice.
- Online Talk
- Springboard Programme
Springboard Talks #3 — Jon Davis
An online talk with Jon Davis, where he will share his curatorial approach and explore ways in which artists can work with commissioners.
- Online Talk
- Springboard Programme
Springboard Talks #2 — Maggie Matić
An online Curator Talk with Maggie Matić, in which they will share insights from their curatorial career.
- Online Talk
- Springboard Programme
Springboard Talks #1 — Arts Council England: Project Grants & Developing your Creative Practice
Learn all about Arts Council’s funding programmes, gain understanding on which fund may be right for your ideas
- Springboard Programme
- Workshops
Springboard Partner Archive
by OSE
Gathering x OSE: Alumni Exhibition
Find out more about the partnership with Gathering, London, and the inaugural Springboard Exhibition recipient
- Springboard
by OSE
Cement Fields x OSE: Foundations
Find out more about our partnership with Cement Fields and the ‘Foundations’ mentorship programme
- Opportunities
–
Prosecco Wisdom at 243luz
Join OSE Alumnus Lizzy Deacon and collaborator Ika Schwander for a new exhibition at 243LUZ, Margate.
- Alumni Programme
- Exhibition
ACME x OSE Fellowship
We are delighted to be partnering with ACME to launch the ACME x OSE Fellowship
- Exhibition
- Fellowship
- Residencies
Mosaic Rooms x OSE: In Response
We’re excited to announce our new partnership, running throughout 2023, with Mosaic Rooms.
- Performance
- Workshops
by OSE
Venice Biennale Fellowships 2022
Presentations from OSE Alumni Tolu Oshodi & James Jordan Johnson, as part of their fellowships at the Venice Biennale 2022.
- Alumni News
- OSE News
September-October 2022
Peer to Peer: UK/HK 2022
Peer to Peer: UK/HK 2022
- commissons
- Film
- Research projects