Applications for our 2027 cohort of woodland retreat artists are open! Each year we welcome artists, makers and performers into our woodland creation space, providing them with time to connect with nature while developing their creative practice.
We have space for 10 retreats in 2027 which can last up to 7 days each. The programme will take place between March and September.
Location: The Whirligig Woods, Lunts Moss, Scholar Green, Cheshire, ST7 3QJ
Important dates:
- 2nd November 2026: Applications open
- 16th December 2026: Artist Retreat Open Day – an open invitation for artists to visit The Whirligig before submitting an application (this is optional)
- 18th January 2027: Applications close
- 15th February 2027: All applicants informed of outcome by email
- March – September 2027: Retreats can take place
What is an Artist Retreat?
The Wild Rumpus retreat programme supports the creation of new works and/or experiences which speak to the themes of Play and Nature Connection.
Throughout March to September, we open our woodland workspace to artists and creatives, offering dedicated space and time to explore any stage of idea development. Whether that is the early research and development, to devising time with a company of performers.
We particularly invite opportunities for sharing with our local community groups. A sharing could be a visual presentation of your work, a dress rehearsal of a show, a creative workshop – or something else entirely.
What type of ideas are we interested in?
Wild Rumpus are artists, curators, and producers. We explore nature connection and play through meaningful, joyful interventions. We deliberately blur lines in our creation process, and we are experimentational in our approach. The work we create and support fuels curiosity, playfulness and a boldness in our audiences.
The worlds we create and stories we tell inspire behaviour change. We explore how altered physical and digital landscapes can excite people in a place, story or experience, and how that can influence them to respond differently to their world. The stories we tell are influenced by nature and folklore, steeped in tradition, myths, and legends.
We are interested in ideas which speak to our practice and themes, especially Play and Nature Connection. There are no rigid guidelines for the type of work we would support. We encourage applications from all sectors of the community regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or any other equality characteristic. We particularly welcome applications from those who experience an imbalance of opportunity.
What are the facilities?
We are based in the North of England, in Cheshire. Our offices, design studio and creation spaces are all outdoors, set in an ancient woodland. As the only artists in our space you’ll be able to step outside of day-to-day life and re-examine the world from a new perspective. It is also a place for audiences and our local community groups to gather for creative adventures.
The beautiful woodland setting creates an evocative outdoor landscape, creating a focal point for new ideas, disruptive conversations, relationships and art with social and environmental change at their heart.
You can choose to stay overnight in our space, either in one of our vintage caravans, your own live-in vehicle, or in your tent. We have compostable toilets, an outdoor shower and a kitchen! Alternatively, you can choose to stay off site and travel into the woods each day. It’s easiest to access the site via vehicle but it’s possible to travel by public transport.
Working from the woods can be idyllic and nourishing, it can also involve cold days, insects, and mud!
Access
We’d like to make every effort to accommodate artists’ access needs, so please get in touch with access@wildrumpus.org.uk if you have any questions or queries about the accessibility of the space, or what adjustments can be made.
Our space is a natural woodland environment with the ground having some roots, grassed areas, bumps and dips. Our caravans, kitchen, and shower do not currently have step free access. We have recently installed an accessible compost toilet. Full details about access provision in the woods can be found here.
Artist Drop-in Day
Potential applicants are invited to visit the woods prior to submitting an application. Artists do not have to attend the open day to be eligible to apply for a retreat. This is simply an opportunity for artists to familiarise themselves with the woodland setting and facilities, meet some of the Wild Rumpus team, and determine if it’s the right space for them and their work.
Artists are welcome to attend the woods on a drop-in basis between 10:30am and 2:30pm on Weds 16th December.
If you are interested in attending the woods drop-in session, please email siobhan.donnelly@wildrumpus.org.uk to let us know you’re coming.
Artist Retreat Guidelines
- Our Artist Retreats are a free exchange. Artists do not need to pay to attend a retreat, and Wild Rumpus will not pay artists for their retreat.
- We have three vintage caravans which can be used for accommodation, you are able to bring your own live-in vehicle or a tent. None of the accommodation options have lighting or power. Alternatively, you can choose to stay off site and travel into the woods each day.
- We have a full kitchen with an oven, microwave, fridge, and freezer, including power points for charging devices.
- The artist is responsible for providing any materials/furniture/equipment required to carry out their work.
- The selected artist agrees to offer a sharing of their work to our communities if Wild Rumpus and the artist feel this is suitable.
- Retreats can last no more than seven days.