riónce shared sewing studio residency
(aug 2026 – dec 2026)
i’m close to securing a new sewing studio in south london!
if i manage to, i’ll be selecting a bunch of cool people who sew to ‘sublet’ / join me for the next 4 months (with the possibility of staying forevaa* if a good fit).
*forevaa is a long time but you get my drift haha.
what’s happening?
i’m looking for people who want a consistent place to sew, design, make and build alongside myself + other creatives. whether you’re starting a fashion brand, studying, making costumes, offering alterations or simply want a dedicated space to create, i’d love to hear from you.
this form is simply to register your interest. there’s no commitment at this stage.
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the residency will run for an initial 4-month period.
the aim is to create a stable, shared workspace where you can work on your own projects while being part of a small creative community.
if everything runs smoothly, you’ll have the opportunity to continue beyond the initial four months.
i’m intentional about keeping the first group small to help shape the space together before opening it up further.
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the studio is expected to include:
✓ industrial sewing machines
✓ overlocker
✓ large shared cutting table
✓ pressing station
✓ pattern-making equipment
✓ shared sewing tools
✓ fabric storage
✓ pattern storage
✓ wi-fi
✓ tea & coffee
✓ shared seating area
i have a number of these items already - though the exact equipment and layout may evolve according to everyones needs / as the studio develops
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you will also get access to:
✓ the success circle. an online small group led by rebecca our in house business coach / accountability partner. 45-mins, held on google meet with others of a similar practice to you.
✓ a 20-min 1-1 with me about how you’re finding the studio / to discuss if there’s any other ways I can support you
✓ riónce arts club community and weekly creative drop-in sessions
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the studio will be fully functional from day one, but it won’t be completely finished.
over the course of the residency i’ll continue furnishing and improving the space. features such as the mezzanine storage, spiral staircase and additional storage solutions are expected to be completed later as the project grows.
the residency fee reflects this journey. by joining early, you’re helping bring the studio to life while benefiting from a workspace that continues to improve over time.
riónce arts club is a small independent creative organisation founded by myself, oleta semple & i genuinely believe there’s power in numbers. I can’t build this alone, and i’d love to build it with you!
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between £450–£650 pcm for the four-month period.
the final fee will depend on the completed studio set-up, access arrangements and number of studio residents involved.
i’ll share the final pricing and residency agreement with everyone who registers their interest once the space has been secured.
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this isn’t a must but, i’d love if you’d contribute to the community by hosting a workshop during the four-month residency.
this could be anything from beginner sewing and alterations to pattern cutting, quilting, embroidery, up-cycling or another skill of a different discipline you’d like to share.
don’t worry if you’ve never taught before; i’ll ensure you get support with planning, promotion and bookings.
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the shared sewing studio residency is ideal for:
fashion designers
clothing brands
tailors
seamstresses
upcyclers
costume makers
textile artists
fashion students
bridal makers
creative hobbyists looking for a dedicated place to sew
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i’m currently collecting expressions of interest only while i work to secure the space. click here to express your interest.
if the project goes ahead, you’ll be one of the first to hear updates as the studio develops.
i’ll invite a small number of you to have a conversation with me - which will give me the chance to learn more about what you’re making, how you work and whether the residency is the right fit for you.
if offered a space, you’ll receive your residency agreement, payment details and move-in information accordingly.
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by joining the residency, you’re agreeing to help create a respectful, welcoming and productive shared studio.
as a resident, you’ll agree to:
✓ treat the studio, equipment and fellow residents with care and respect.
✓ leave shared workspaces clean and ready for the next person.
✓ report any damage or maintenance issues as soon as possible.
✓ use equipment safely and responsibly.
✓ respect booked workshops, events and shared studio activities.
✓ store personal belongings within your allocated storage area.
✓ be happy to host one workshop during your four-month residency.
✓ be comfortable appearing in photos and videos captured within the studio. as we build the space and community, we’ll regularly document what we’re creating together and may share this content across our website, social media, press, printed materials and other marketing channels. this helps raise awareness of the studio, our residents and the wider riónce community.
✓ contribute to creating a welcoming, encouraging and inspiring environment for everyone.
this is a collaborative residency. the more everyone contributes, the better the space becomes for all of us.
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as mentioned the studio will be continually improving throughout your residency.
i’ll communicate openly about changes, listen to resident feedback and work hard to create a space that’s practical, inspiring and enjoyable to work in.
i’ll actively promote the studio and its residents wherever possible, creating opportunities to showcase your work through content, events and collaborations.
as the studio grows, so will the facilities available to residents.
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your place is only confirmed once your residency contribution has been received.
residency fees + deposit are payable in advance unless otherwise agreed.
as places are limited, residency fees are non-refundable once the residency has begun.
if you’re no longer able to take part, your place may be transferred to another resident with written approval from myself.
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this residency isn’t just about paying for a workspace.
it’s about building something together.
i’m looking for people who are kind, proactive, respectful and excited by the idea of helping shape a creative home from the very beginning.
everyone starts somewhere.
everyone has something to teach.
everyone has something to learn.
there’s power in numbers <3
SOMETIMES,
YOU’RE JUST A
STONE’S
THROW AWAY.
this was me in my first studio back in 2019
I know what it’s like to sew from a confined space and need more room to think, to organise yourself + make bigger + better things.
read more about my fashion journey
oleta (founder + maker of things) x
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i’m building the studio around industrial sewing equipment, cutting tables and everyday sewing essentials. i’ll share a full equipment list with successful applicants before the residency begins.
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everyone will have their own designated storage area for tools, materials and ongoing projects. the exact amount will depend on the final studio layout and number of residents.
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no. the image(s) shown is an ai-generated visual mock-ups to help communicate the vision. they’re intended to show the style and direction of the space, not the exact finished studio.
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i’ll be reviewing applications as they come in and inviting suitable applicants to view the studio before confirming the first cohort.
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i’ll create a waiting list and get in touch if a space becomes available.
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yes that’s absolutely fine. just let me know before hand.
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hopefully. this is the first cohort, and if it works well i’d love to continue growing the studio.
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yes. just mention it on your application so i know what your plans are.
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that’s exactly why i invite people to view the space first. there’s no pressure; come and have a look, ask questions and see how it feels.
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please do. i’m looking for good people who’ll enjoy creating alongside one another.
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drop me a message on whatsapp or email and i’ll happily answer it.
faqs
@rionceartsclub