An Artist in Residence

Abstract

The artist in residence scheme was started in 1975. It is funded by the Arts Council of Great Britain along with an Oxford college, and the scheme is operated in conjunction with the Museum of Modern Art. It could be termed a “creative fellowship” — lasting an academic year — and attempting to foster an awareness of contemporary art within Oxford whilst proffering an artist achange of work-place which it is hoped might prove stimulating. So it was that Balliol played host to Noel Foster (1975–1976), and Howard Hodgkin was attached to Brasenose (1976–1977). The current artist in residence, this year at St Catherine's, is John Walker. During the course of the year as artist in residence, the Museum of Modern Art stages an exhibition of the artist's work. Noel Foster had a show of large abstracts, Howard Hodgkin a retrospective of his prints and recently John Walker exhibited a series of large, impressive drawings done in Oxford. Regrettably, it would seem that the scheme may lapse next year and it is only to be hoped that, given the fruitful exchanges of the past few years, a way will be found to continue the venture. Meanwhile, we are very grateful to Howard Hodgkin for giving us a short impression of his artistic residence in Oxford.