Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre

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BOARC was established to support the work of others. As it stands, we host many different types of research gatherings, workshops and self-organised study weeks. We love it when people push what’s possible with the space, and will always try and accommodate projects that sit in line with our values.

Please get in touch if you are looking for somewhere for your group to work so we can figure out scheduling together.

Live-in Steward Role

Live-in stewards are invited to stay at BOARC for a period of 3 months to take advantage of the space to pursue their own practice without paying any nightly fees. In return, they take responsibility during the night for four or five nights per week. Positions begin in January, March, June and September on a rolling basis. If you are interested in this position, please send us an email and we’ll reply with the info pack and application procedure.

Co-steering BOARC as a project

BOARC is a young experimental project and we are responsively shaping the organisation as we go along. We really appreciate people getting to know the project and offering contributions.

Annual General Exchange

The AGM is held as part of the Annual General Exchange between 31st October - 5th November every year.

There are a couple of meetings in the year in which stayers and users of BOARC can offer thoughts and ideas for change. The team running BOARC will consider the ideas alongside the aims and values of the project and report back on any changes that have been implemented since the last meeting.

Heritage Education Centre Space (HECS)

We are currently developing a Heritage Education Centre Space (HECS). We periodically hold working group meetings to set up the HECS. More information on opportunities relating to this project will be posted here soon. To find out more please email: enquiries@bidstonobservatory.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an artistic research centre?

In the arts, just like in the sciences, research is conducted in the process of making or experimenting. Practitioners take time, and focus attention on the way that they conduct their practice – however it fits into a discipline, or sits outside many. The process of doing research in the arts varies greatly, and there is no one methodology which applies to all. This artistic research centre is a space where people can come to explore different methods of working, have time for reflection, and get feedback from other practitioners.

What do you mean by self-organising?

The stewards are here to support the building and its resources. The building and its resources are here to support you and your work. While the project is all about trying to make things possible, stewards are already fully occupied with administration and practicalities and can not be expected to support the needs of your personal practice too.

Why is it only possible to stay for a minimum of two nights?

It’s not possible for people to stay for one night only, as this tends to take away from the community’s resources rather than add to it - not to mention the extra laundry costs!

Why is it only possible to stay for a maximum of one month?

In order for this resource to be shared by multiple different groups and individuals, stay is capped at one month. This keeps the space flowing and stops areas becoming territorialised unintentionally. As this is a study site, it is not possible to just live here, though we understand study takes many different forms and doesn’t always appear “productive”.

Why is there a sliding scale?

Many of the decisions we make here at BOARC focus on keeping this resource available for practitioners. The sliding scale helps us to offer a subsidised rate to people who would benefit.

Why is it important to read the values?

through the values carefully and make a decision for themselves about whether they feel aligned. It is not important to share all of these values exactly as they are written, but you should be aware that this is an actively anti-racist, anti-ableist, intersectional feminist site, and there are accountability guidelines in place here for users, stayers, stewards and organisers alike.[Link to values here]