Reframe: The Residency

A career progression partnership with Apple, supporting talented Black creatives

In 2022 we were delighted to partner with Apple to launch Reframe, an innovative programme designed to uplift emerging Black creatives across the UK.

This collaboration also included our partners at Factory International in Manchester, plus STEAMhouse and Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham.

77 emerging artists

for the project

84% participants

intended to further their creative ambitions

7,600 visitors

to the exhibition

The big idea

The inaugural Reframe: The Residency took place in spring/summer 2023, and involved 77 emerging, talented Black and Black mixed heritage creatives from Birmingham, London and Manchester.

The aim was to support these artists in creating innovative new work and showcase it at an exhibition, as well as creating new career opportunities after the residency was over.

Inspired by Southbank Centre’s Planet Summer – a season of events responding to the climate emergency – the artists were encouraged to work to a brief on this same theme. Rather than work in isolation, the artists formed 13 creative agencies within their hubs, coming together for 14 days over several months to produce multimedia artworks.

‘We believe the opportunities for young Black talent are boundless’

Alisha Johnson Wilder, director of Apple’s Racial Equity & Justice Initiative

Artists and their tutors are welcomed at the Southbank Centre by Misan Harriman, Chair, Southbank Centre; Elaine Bedell, Chief Executive, Southbank Centre; Mark Ball, Artistic Director, Southbank Centre; and Alexandra Brierley, Director of Creative Engagement, Southbank Centre, 2023 © Linda Nylind

Making it happen

Participants worked within groups at one of three hubs, in London, Birmingham and Manchester. They were provided with top-level mentorship and had use of the latest Apple technology.

The artists ultimately produced 13 multimedia artworks. These drew on their lived experiences in inner-city UK and their familial heritage from the African continent and Caribbean and shone a light on issues that disproportionately impact global majority communities.

All 13 works were displayed at the Southbank Centre in a show called Reframe: The Residency Exhibition. It launched with a private view, where artists had the chance to meet cultural industry professionals and arts journalists to help foster career progression.

During its six-week run 7,600 people visited Reframe: The Residency Exhibition in person and it amassed 1.74 million views online.

A camera operator smiles while filming at fairgrounds — Lighthouse Films

Exhibition Gallery

Impact & outcomes

The artists have said that Reframe had a huge impact on their careers.

Just a few weeks after the residency had ended, 29% had already moved into some form of creative work and 63% had used their participation as a platform for other opportunities. Overall, 84% said they intended using their participation to further their creative ambitions.

It has also led to the creation of a new peer network of Black British creative connection. Artists involved in the residency have since come together independently on a range of projects.

‘I cannot imagine being in the position I’m in today without having this support’

Participant in Reframe: The Residency

‘an incredible space to be in’

Participant in Reframe: The Residency

Learnings & future plans

With the huge impact the residency has had on artists’ lives, the next challenge is ensuring we build on the momentum. Having 2023 alumni on board will be a huge asset as we extend the programme into 2024 and beyond, and welcome them into the Southbank Centre’s Emerging Artists Alumni network.