Jen Mason Photography
Student Residencies
The Banks Mill Student Residency is open to University of Derby students and recent graduates, who would like access to a professional studio space at our creative studios on Bridge Street in Derby.
Applications open on 13 April 2026
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop new work and business skills in a creative and collaborative environment. The successful applicants will have an opportunity to exhibit their work at Banks Mill and engage with the vibrant and rich community within the building.
Our student residency opportunity provides the following:
- Studio space rent free for 12 months*
- Profile listing on the Banks Mill website
- Participation in the annual Open Studios event
- Group exhibition in the Banks Mill foyer
- Monthly meetings with fellow tenants
- Peer support group
- Free membership to the East Midlands Chamber/Generation Next
- Access to our Freelancer Club and Game Changer Lab co-working space
*Separate charge for electricity payable. Winners will be required to have public liability insurance in place and have all electrical equipment portable appliance tested
Our award is open to University of Derby students and graduates up to three years who are looking to explore self employment as part of their creative practice or business. Read the full terms and conditions:- Terms & Conditions for Student Residency
Sarah Blandford
Student studio residency winner Sarah Blandford explains how the award has helped her photography business.
Charlie Collins
In this interview with University of Derby student, Charlie Collins we find out how our student residency helped her grow her practice.
Amy Vallance
Amy Vallance is University of Derby student who was successful in winning a free studio at Banks Mill for a year. Watch the video to find out how our student residency has helped her, and the opportunities she has been able to tap into.
Sofia Yala
Sofia Yala is one of our student studio residency winners, find out in this video how they used their free space at Banks Mill.