We create our programmes carefully through a range of artist residencies, open calls for proposals and invited commissions. 
Compass Festival has grown in scale and ambition and is characterised by the exploration of communality, community building and place-making. We seek to programme original, arresting, playful and thoughtful projects that generously invite public interaction.

We programme works that: 

  • Animate the city centre 
  • Unlock ‘hidden spaces’ not normally accessed by the public that change the way people see or experience the city
  • Operate as maps/trails around a specific theme or geography 
  • Are interactive exhibitions or installations made with local people 
  • Break down barriers to participation and in which artists engage directly with specific communities and/or the general public.
  • Are of long duration or that can be repeated several times over a number of days.
  • Are original, arresting, and thoughtful projects that generously invite public interaction. 
  • Engage with the climate emergency and/or promote sustainability 
  • Acknowledge the context of a regional city and urban environment, its possibilities, complexities and histories. 

Please take a look at our previous programmes and note that we do not programme or develop street theatre or performance works that can only happen in theatres, galleries or museums.

“One of the best experiences I have had curatorially with an organisation…. Compass was supportive, measured, understanding, intelligent, patient and positive throughout.”

Jack Tan - Artist

Compass Residency Programme

Every two years Compass invites residency proposals from artists working in any medium whose practice is based in public engagement – artists who are interested in collaborating with the public to make work. 

Projects developed through the residency programme include: 

“The level of support, advice and appropriate response to project demands has been outstanding… The technical and production support in realising this multi-stranded project was extraordinary. In the case of Compass the work and its artist are literally supported and hosted from the point of arrival to the point of exit. We really appreciate this attention to detail on all levels as an art work itself”
Etheridge & PersighettiResidency Artists - Public House
“Over the years I have had the opportunity to experience different artist residencies in a range of contexts and countries. What separates out the Compass residency experience from these other experiences that I have had is the exceptional level of in-person support and the slow paced timeframe that allows the work to generate. What I have appreciated most is the balance between the process itself and the goal of a public outcome. The balance is struck exceptionally well. Whereas often a process driven residency can lack focus and a sense of ‘achievement’ a production focussed residency can feel just like working towards meeting an audience. At Compass I really appreciated the fact that while we were working towards a public presentation it was continually modulated in response the discoveries during the process. Most importantly, these discoveries were made collaboratively with the Compass team. I found it to be an extremely successful working model.”
Joshua SofaerResidency Artist - Museums in People's Homes
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The best way to keep in touch with us is to join our mailing list to keep abreast of the latest opportunities, coming to a Compass event or by dropping us an email to introduce yourself and your work. 

We look forward to meeting you.

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